News releases and press coverage
December 21, 2011
Patients at Stafford and Cannock hospitals will be given a dose of festive cheer this Christmas thanks to The Stafford Orchestra and Alstom Singers.
Their joint Christmas concert was recorded by Hospital Radio Stafford and will be played to patients several times during the festive period.
The programme includes favourites such as Sleigh Ride and White Christmas, as well as famous Strauss polkas and classic carols.
Radio presenter, Richard Ellison, said: “We have been recording this concert for more than ten years and we love doing it.
“The patients really do appreciate the music from the orchestra and choir, it’s all about bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to those stuck in hospital during this special time.”
Proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle raised a total of £272.50, which will go towards the costs of running the radio station, as it has no automatic funding.
Mr Ellison added: “The radio station has been running for 40 years and has around 45 volunteers helping out.
“It’s not necessarily about the money that the concert raises, it’s more about the wonderful music that we can record for the station.”
The Stafford Orchestra is a music society that welcomes players of all ages and standards, rehearsing every Wednesday at St Leonard’s Social Club.
Member, Janine Heath, said: “We’re really pleased that we can help Hospital Radio Stafford in this way and work with the Alstom Singers.
“It is a great opportunity for people to hear our music that perhaps can’t make our concerts, and of course, the Christmas event is always a popular one and people really enjoy it.”
The Alstom Singers is a 50-strong choir, directed by Cathy Garside. They also rehearse at St Leonard’s Social Club with their next concert scheduled for March 10 at Trinity Church, Stafford.
You can hear The Stafford Orchestra on May 14 at Stafford Grammar School.
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November 23, 2011
Audiences are invited to enjoy a programme of festive favourites and more when The Stafford Orchestra joins the Alstom Singers for a Christmas concert next month.
The event will take place at St Leonards Social Club, Stafford, on December 14 at 7.30pm.
Music includes Strauss's Blue Danube and Tristch Tratsch polka, Christmas favourite Sleigh Bells and many more.
Tickets are pay on the door.
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September 13, 2011
Musicians from across Staffordshire and beyond are being encouraged to ‘dust down their instruments’ and join the Stafford Orchestra for a one-off rehearsal and concert.
All instruments and performers are welcome to the event, which is being held at St Leonards Social Club on Sunday October 9.
The orchestra will be trying pieces such as Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Ruy Blas, with pre-event registration recommended to ensure the availability of music.
Orchestra member, Janine Heath, said: “This event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and try out playing in The Stafford Orchestra.
“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t performed for a while, as long as you were about grade five standard the last time you played.
“Just pre-register via our website, or turn up at the event with your instrument and music stand if you have one.”
The orchestra is also on the look-out for musicians to fill permanent vacancies including all string instruments, percussion and french horn.
Janine added: “We’re hoping that some people will enjoy the dust down your instrument day so much that they’ll decide to join the orchestra on a permanent basis.
“Our members are of all ages and standards. Some teach music and others, such as myself, play for fun. It’s just a great opportunity to play your instrument on a regular basis.”
For more information, visit here.
Dust Down Your Instrument Day
St Leonards Social Club, Stafford
Sunday October 9, 2011.
12pm-6pm
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June 12, 2011
The Stafford Orchestra does social networking!
You can keep up to date with the latest news from the Stafford Orchestra by following their Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Run by members of the orchestra, information about future concerts, fundraising events and vacancies will be shared on the worldwide web.
Contacting the orchestra will now be even easier as the sites are regularly checked by members Rebecca Morrison and Janine Heath.
Twitter - www.twitter.com/staffordorch Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stafford-Orchestra/134870329915752