Alderley Edge Orchestra doubled in size for their most recent performance of Holst's The Planets on Saturday, 3rd March, which included two sets of timpani, two harps, a celeste, banks of percussion and brass, double woodwind and a ladies' choir.
Such a feat would not have been possible without the extra staging which was purchased with a grant from the Manchester Airport Community Fund. This allowed the players to be arranged in the best possible way to improve the visual and acoustic experience for the audience.
The Planets gave a chance to show off the new set of timpani, purchased last year with the help of a grant from The Alderley Edge institute Trust.
The concert also featured young clarinettist, Oliver Janes, playing Weber's first Clarinet Concerto.
Orchestra chairman, Roger Dowling says: "With some 75 players and singers, this was without doubt the biggest concert the Alderley Edge Orchestra has ever organised. It was great to see the Festival Hall so full despite all the uncertainties of the weather - there is clearly a big appetite for live orchestral music in Alderley Edge."
The orchestra's next concert will take place on Saturday 19th May at Alderley Edge Methodist Church and the programme will consist of Tchaikovsky Symphony No 5, Bartok Romanian Dances, De Falla La Vida Breve, Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, and Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite.
Tickets cost £10 for adults and £1 for under eighteens. Tickets will be available on the door or can be bought in advance through the website or on the ticket hotline 01625 581321.
Photos courtesy of Les Stringer.
