Photos by Keith Woolford unless otherwise stated – click on any image to start.
There are more pictures Here.
‘Love & Romance‘ – June 2024 (11)
Concluding an enchanting season, many in the audience would be forgiven believing the best was kept for last as our guest performer was the world-renown guitarist Craig Ogden. Described by the BBC Music Magazine as “A worthy successor to Julian Bream”.
The Australian-born guitarist joined the orchestra for a truly memorable evening. The programme included works by Vivaldi, Boccherini, Sibelius and two pieces by Elgar. The breadth of the concert managed to include ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ penned by the late Freddie Mercury and ‘Romance No.1‘ by Classic FM presenter John Brunning (who was in ‘Mungo Jerry’, no less!).
“A fantastic last concert of the season”, said chair Marian Barwell, “It was wonderful to have Craig return to perform with the orchestra. His first visit to Alvechurch was for a solo concert in March 2020 – minutes before we were obliged to cancel the remaining concerts we had programmed due to covid”.
‘Family Concert‘ – May 2024 (10)
A packed audience delighted in the young choir from Crown Meadow School and the expressive Translucent Dancers on a lovely Saturday afternoon. Wonderful music included Harry Potter, Wonka, The Pink Panther and Wind in the Willows. The concert concluded with ‘The Story of Alice in Wonderland’ narrated by the Mad Hatter!
Pictures also by Simon Woolford
‘15th Young Musicians’ Showcase’ – Mar 2024 (32)
We encourage schoolchildren of all abilities to perform for an appreciative audience. Nine students aged 18-years-old or less played pieces of classical and modern works. The piano dominated this year with the violin, voice and saxophone adding variety.
Shulah Oliver-Smith, TMS Artistic Director, held a workshop offering experienced advice and support before they took the stage. Certificates of participation were presented by Revd. Martin Allen from the church who were part sponsors of the initiative.
‘OutReach visits Burcot Grange & Lodge’ – Mar 2024 (6)
Our continuing programme saw a warm welcome from this well-established care home. Participation with Shulah and Anna had residents singing along to some old favourite songs with feet tapping to familiar pieces of music.
‘OutReach visits Bromsgrove Dementia Cafe’ – Mar 2024 (6)
Now firmly established in their new venue at the Bromsgrove Rugby Club, the dementia group were thoroughly entertained by Shulah and Anna. The groups organiser, Vicky Tramontana, was delighted at the largest turnout since formed in April 2022 as 38 visitors enjoyed the music and joined in with the songs.
‘The Hills are Alive’ – Feb 2024 (15)
Our concerts are now principally performed in the ‘The Ark’ – a more intimate and decidedly warmer offering. Beginning the programme with a ‘Sound of Music’ medley, there followed a piece by Holst and Mussorgsky’s ‘Night on a Bare Mountain’. Before the interval we also heard the world premier of ‘Song of the Sea’ by the young Katherina Hristova, who received well deserved plaudits.
The concert resumed with Grieg’s wonderful ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ from ‘Peer Gynt Suite’, ‘In the Mountain’ by Bloch for a quartet and to bring the curtain down was ‘Scenes from the Scottish Highlands’ by Bantock. The latter had the strings transformed into bagpipes, no less.
Another sumptuous evening under the direction of violinist Shulah Oliver, our Artist Director, the orchestra inexplicably improves on every occasion.
‘Tis the Season – Dec 2023 (30)
With a programme which includes Glazunov’s ‘Winter’, ‘The Snow is Dancing’ by Debussy, the ‘Christmas Eve’ suite by Rimsky Korsakov, it could only mean a seasonal feast for the ears. Add a premier of a new work and mix in Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’ played by the accomplished violinist Grace Shepherd and the spectacular evening is complete!
‘Dance the Night Away’ Concert – Sept 2023 (23)
Our wonderful sponsors and patrons attended a pre-concert drinks as a thank you for their invaluable support. Shulah Oliver welcomed everyone and treated the audience to a wonderfully eclectic pieces of foot-tapping music from the traditionally classical, the Simply Symphony by Britten, through to Copland’s Hoedown!