Open Rehearsal

As part of Listen Up! Festival of Orchestras 2006, the Solihull Symphony Orchestra held an open rehearsal on Tuesday 3 October, attended by the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr John Reeve. Cllr Reeve, who admitted to owning six violins took the opportunity to learn a bit about the double bass from orchestra chair David Evans

Listen Up! 2006, which runs from 29 September to 3 November showcases the talent, diversity and vibrancy of amateur and professional orchestras across the whole of the UK. It is supported by BBC Radio 3 in association with Making Music and the Association of British Orchestras.

Solihull Symphony Orchestra decided to hold an Open Rehearsal in order to allow prospective members, regular concert goers or anyone with an interest in music to see how an orchestra actually works. The orchestra’s musical director, Martin Leigh said “An open rehearsal is the ideal opportunity to learn more about the process of making music – and of course we very much hope that some of our visitors will be wanting to join us !”.

The Solihull Symphony Orchestra is a member of Making Music, the largest umbrella body of its kind which represents over 2,200 amateur groups, including tens of thousands of orchestral musicians who perform around 9,000 concerts a year. Making Music, through the support of its members, is a vital force in lobbying, promoting, developing and advancing the cause of live music.

BBC Radio 3 will broadcast special programmes seven nights a week throughout the festival, including two nights entirely dedicated to performances by amateur orchestras and choirs. Full listings and details of Listen Up! 2006 are available at www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/listenup

New Membership Categories

At its AGM in June, the orchesta agreed to the introduction of two new membership categories. For £30 a year (£50 for couples) Friends of the Orchestra will receive complimentary tickets to all concerts, and will be mentioned on the website and in concert programmes.

Business Supporters will also receive complimentary tickets, advertising in concert programmes and links from the orchestra's website. The minimum contribution will be set initially at £100

For further details, please contact us