Council in Push to Help Local Amateur Orchestra Survive

Tameside Council’s Theatre Arts Working Group has pledged its support to help resurrect a local amateur orchestra back to its former glory.

The Hyde Festival Orchestra , formed over 60 years ago, has got the backing of Tameside Council as they work to develop theatre arts across the borough.

And to get their music out to the masses, the orchestra has performed for the first time in over two years, at the Grafton Centre in Hyde Friday 21st May.

Their performance ‘Chamber music for a spring evening’ included excerpts from Bach’s Concerto for two violins, Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Brahms, Dvorak, Gluck Schubert Warlock and Teddy Bor.

It is hoped that by rehearsing and performing locally new players will be encouraged to join them. The players intend to perform several concerts a year in local halls, to audiences who wouldn't usually go to hear chamber music.

Leader Heather Bowery said: “To ensure the future life of the orchestra we need more players, particularly string players. They don't need to be of virtuoso standard! About grade four and upwards is fine.”

Tameside Council’s Theatre Arts Officer, Vanessa Rothwell said: “Hyde Festival Orchestra has an amazing history of good quality music in the Hyde area. Their music is more Classic FM  than Radio Three and includes well known classics such as Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Warlock's Capriol Suite.”

The Grafton Centre also hosts a new theatre group for over 55's. The group is run by experienced staff and will provide opportunities to get involved with play readings and other aspects of theatre. People who are interested should contact:

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Theatre Arts Officer Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 4144