Summer concert is a chance to shine

The Senior Citizens Orchestra of Calderdale has been making music in the area for more than 40 years under the baton of long-standing conductor Judith McLean.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jul 2015, 09:00 BST
Picture taken at the Pensioners Orchestra at Square Chapel. Conductor, Judith McLean.Picture taken at the Pensioners Orchestra at Square Chapel. Conductor, Judith McLean.
Picture taken at the Pensioners Orchestra at Square Chapel. Conductor, Judith McLean.

The orchestra rehearses weekly and the youngest member is 60, the oldest 88.

The 33 members have an average age of 75.

Formed as part of Calderdale Music Service, the orchestra gives many concerts to other senior citizens’ groups in the community and also plays at the hospitals and at a number of schools.

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The programmes are mainly of light music in which audience participation is greatly encouraged, said Judith. No audition is required to play in the orchestra and new members are always welcome.

The orchestra’s major concert of the year will be at St Jude’s Church, Savile Park, Halifax, on Tuesday July 7 at 7pm. Tickets will be available at the door on the evening at £3 – to include tea, coffee, wine and biscuits.

The programme will include many well known favourite pieces and also will have the first performance of a new work composed especially for the orchestra by Geoffrey Kinder, a set of variations based on the tune of Ilkley Moor Baht ‘at called Cranbrook Variations.

The concert will be attended by the Deputy Lieutenant Chris Harris and Mr Stuart Harris and the Mayor and Consort as guests.

Related topics:Chris HarrisHalifaxMayor