The orchestra rounded off a wonderful Autumn Season by performing two concerts in the Central Hall Wymondham, to very appreciative audiences. We paid homage to two British composers, Vaughan Williams, whose 150th Anniversary of his birth was being celebrated around the country and Charles Villiers Stanford, both of whom were strongly influenced by British and Irish folk song. A particular favourite with the audience was the Fantasia on Greensleeves, followed by a very lively performance of the Tuba concerto by Vaughan Williams, performed by Mark Peck, who has been playing with the WSO for over 25 years.

The Family Christmas Concert on December 11th was a joint presentation with children from The Robert Kett Primary School. A sell-out concert that was full of joy and happiness and with wonderful sparkling performances by the children, some singing and some playing their instruments sitting side by side with the WSO players. There were many highlights, one of them being the illustrated version of The 12 Days of Christmas and the singing of carols and a carol quiz with the audience. One parent wrote ' what a wonderful opportunity for the children to be able to take part in a public concert, performing alongside (and be part of) a full symphony orchestra, creating music of such a high standard. At a time when music and the arts are so desperately underfunded, and music is being squeezed out of the curriculum, this was a fantastic event, and I was pleased to see it well attended.' A collection was made for the Wymondham Food Bank which amounted to £220 donated by our very generous audience.

So now we are starting rehearsals for our Spring Concert. We are very excited to be able to perform in Wymondham Abbey once again having missed playing in such a wonderful venue for some three years and look forward to welcoming our audience there on Saturday March 25th, the concert starting at the earlier time of 7 pm.

Entitled 'Out to Sea', the programme consists of the very popular and well known theme The Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia by Khachaturian, Sea Pictures by Elgar, ( mezzo-soprano Maria Willis, born in Norfolk and based in London ) Four Sea Interludes and Passacaglia from Peter Grimes by Britten, March 'Padstow Lifeboat' by Arnold and Fantasia on British Sea Songs by Wood.

We are very much looking forward to seeing you all. Tickets are available on the door or through our website, wymondhamsymphonyorchestra.org.uk at a cost of £15, ( £13 Friends ) U18 free.