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Bedfordshire Youth Chamber Orchestra

The Bedfordshire Youth Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1971 by students who had benefited from the Music Service, and wished to continue playing together when they had left the Youth Orchestra. The organization of the orchestra has always been carried out solely by the ex-students of Bedfordshire Youth Music. For a number of years this task has been ably done by Samantha Smith and Sarah Herbert.

Though not part of the County Music Service the County Youth Orchestra has provided the source of the players and many continue to play in the Chamber Orchestra after leaving the Youth Orchestra. Players are invited to play in the orchestra and although there are many ex-Youth Music members, there are also many current members of the County Music Ensembles involved in the concerts. Soloists and conductors come from within the profession and often from the Bedfordshire area. Many past players are now established musicians.

The Orchestra has performed both locally and abroad. These include concerts in Tuscany (Italy), St James', Piccadilly and Regent’s Park. A smaller ensemble plays at the Barn Concert Series in Carlton each year. The Orchestra celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a reunion concert of past and present members and in 2001 the Orchestra celebrated its 30th Anniversary.

All the pictures below have been taken at the Spring 2002 concert, on 30 March, at Bedford Corn Exchange

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July 2003

In July 2003 the Chamber Orchestra played their summer concert at The Barn, Hill House Farm, Carlton, near Bedford.

The programme included:

  • Concerto Grosso Opus 6 No.1 Handel
  • Chaconnein G Minor Purcell
  • The Simple Symphony Britten
  • Five Pieces for String Orchestra Opus 44 Hindemith
  • Serenade for Strings Dag Wiren

Spring 2002

The Spring 2002 concert was conducted by George Burrows, an ex-Bedfordshire musician himself, included:

  • On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Delius
  • Appalachian Spring Aaron Copland
  • Symphony No.6 in F major (Pastoral) Beethoven

July 2002

In July 2002 the Chamber Orchestra also played at The Barn, Hill House Farm, Carlton, near Bedford.

Summer 2001

The Summer 2001 concert included Mozart's Flute & Harp Concerto. The soloists were be Anthea Mather and Daniel Parkin.

Chrismas 2000

The Christmas Concert in 2000, performed at The Dame Alice Harpur School in Bedford, included:

  • An Italian Girl in Algiers Rossini
  • The Birds Respighi
  • Concertino for Xylophone & Orchestra Mayuzumi
  • Symphony No. 3 in D Major Schubert

Tickets for the Youth Chamber Orchestra concerts are available from Bedford Central Box Office +44 (0)1234 269519.