Lovers of orchestral music are in for a treat on Saturday (March 26) as Newent Orchestra are performing in their first concert since Covid put paid to their playing over two years ago.

The 'Afternoon Concert' will be held at St Mary's Church from 2.30pm. A perfect early treat for Mother's Day as it features gems ranging from musicals to folk songs; stirring marches and the first public performance by 12 year-old harpist Lily James - a pupil at Newent Community School. She is taught by Alis Huws, Royal harpist to the Prince of Wales.

During lockdowns the orchestra carried on playing via Zoom and they have undergone some changes since then. Bill Anderton has taken over as conductor and musical director from George Taylor and the new leader is Chris Russell.

Bill said: "It's wonderful to be back! We lost a few members who haven't returned but gained new ones who are very welcome. We are also now performing in the church after several years of using the Memorial Hall and it's a real privilege."

The concert includes a selection of song tunes from The Mikado; Elgar's Serenade For Strings; music by Burt Bacharach; Welsh Folk Songs and music from the film 'The Mission' by Ennio Morriconi.

There will also be the first public performance of Birnbeck Pier - a story in music of the old pier at Weston-Super-Mare which is being transformed from dereliction to its former glory. This has been composed by Bill Anderton himself.

The concert concludes with a section from the powerful 'Great Gate of Kiev' - a celebration of the incredible architecture of Ukraine's capital city.

The concert also coincides with the 95th birthday of the Orchestra's chairman and first violinist, Trevor Pleass. Trevor has been playing with the orchestra for more than 30 years and doesn't plan to hang up his bow just yet!

Tickets for the concert are available on the door (cash only) and cost £7 (£6 concessions) Children admitted free.

See link for further details - CONCERT, 26th March - Newent Orchestra