June 21st, the summer solstice, was International Make Music Day when amateur musicians in 120 countries and 700 cities around the world joined together to celebrate music making. And this year, the Alderley Edge Orchestra put Alderley Edge firmly on the music-making map.
The philosophy of the movement is that events should be inclusive, fun and free of charge and the Alderley Edge Orchestra delivered just that with three open rehearsals leading up to a relaxed, informal performance in the Festival Hall on the evening of June 21st.
They welcomed about thirty new players to the usual ranks of the orchestra, some of whom dipped in and out of rehearsals and some who stayed on to perform on the Wednesday evening. They wanted to welcome all ages and all levels of expertise and this was happily achieved with newcomers' ages ranging from teens to octogenarians. Some players had recently taken up their instruments and some had not played for many years but were keen to get going again.
As the rain clouds gathered on Wednesday evening, the orchestra lit up the Festival Hall with music for all tastes. This included Eric Coates well-loved tune 'In Town Tonight', a medley from Okalahoma, Dvorak Slavonic Dances, Walton's majestic Crown Imperial March and, as a fitting finish to the evening, 'Bring Me Sunshine' with audience participation!
The orchestra would love to become known to more people in the village. Do make a note in your diaries of their next concert on Saturday 18th November at the Methodist Church, Chapel Lane SK9 7DU. You are guaranteed a good evening with talented youngster Joshua Kelly, playing Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2, plus Rossini Barber of Seville, Massanet Scenes Pittoresques and Rimsky Korsakov's brilliant Capriccio Espagnol. And all for the modest charge of £10 for adults, £1 for under eighteens.
Guest post by Helen Hall.
