CCO evolved over a number of years mainly through the involvement and enthusiasm of Angela and Eric Orgill. The orchestra began its life as a small baroque group in 1980 and became a fully-fledged string orchestra in 1997 with an average compliment of 20 to 25 players drawn from Bucks, Oxon and Berks.

The orchestra offers a unique opportunity to play and hear some of the great works in the string orchestra repertoire from 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries. English music has always featured strongly in concerts through works by Purcell, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Holst, Tippett, Tavener and Walton.

The orchestra has benefitted from a rich variety of musical directors, initially with Tony Freeth who was actively involved with music education and development in the Aylesbury area. Then Dr Jonathan Williams became principal conductor and worked with the orchestra for 8 years. Since then the policy has been to invite a variety of leading conductors/directors including John Lubbock, Paul Barritt, David Le Page, Roger Coull, Robert Salter and Simon Walton.

We are delighted to welcome back Simon Walton for this special concert which includes wonderful music by Elgar, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Tippett and Debussy. This time we have an opportunity to hear music written for harp and strings with Claire Hayes as soloist.

Details:

October 13^th St Mary’s Church, Thame

Tickets: Adults £13.50, Students £5, under 14 free. On the door or from Foregolf, Buttermarket Thame. For queries or additional information contact 07801 591730