The Monmouth Concert Orchestra is an amateur adult orchestra based in Monmouth with members from all over the surrounding area.
It was founded in 2007 in order to provide an outlet for players of all abilities who otherwise had nowhere to play. Many of the founding members are parents of children who play or played in the North Monmouthshire youth orchestras and wind bands, run by Gwent Music Support Service. While the parents waited outside the rehearsal studio to pick up their children, conversations frequently turned to instruments that they used to play and how nice it would be to play again. Following some discussions with Gwent Music Support Service who provided a musical director and the loan of some equipment, the orchestra was formed in the spring of 2007.
The orchestra is now fully established with over 50 members ranging in ability from grade 5 to grade 8+ and aged from 16 to 80. Their permanent musical director, Mr. David Davies, formally of Gwent Music Support Service, brings with him a vast amount of experience of teaching and nurturing orchestras and they go from strength to strength. They rehearse (and have a laugh, tea and biscuits!) roughly fortnightly on Friday evenings during term time at Monmouth Comprehensive School.
Members of the MCO performing carols
Currently, they perform two or three times a year in venues around the county, the highlight being their main annual concert in the spring. They have performed at the Raglan Festival and can also be seen just before Christmas playing carols on the streets of Monmouthshire while a pan of mulled wine warms hidden at the back.
Their repertoire is broad but the focus has always been on providing entertaining music which is both enjoyable to play and to listen to. So as well as popular classical pieces, they play show tunes, medleys, film music, marches, dances and even some jazz.
Their next main concert is on Saturday 23rd March 2013 at The Drill Hall, Chepstow. Tickets will be a very modest £3 and if you would like to reserve tickets or wish to be included on their mailing list, then contact Christine Tucker at christine.g.j.tucker@btinternet.com.
Currently, they have vacancies for all strings, French horn and tuba and always extend a warm welcome. If you are interested in joining, then contact Christine Tucker at the above email address.
For more information visit their website at www.moncomm.co.uk. You can also find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter
@MonmouthOrch
