THE Alderley Edge Orchestra has begun a new chapter in its 96-year history by renaming itself.

The orchestra has a long, proud history of making music since 1922. Over the past three years the orchestra has raised its profile, employing professional conductors and tackling an ambitious range of music, resulting in some fine performances with capacity audiences.

In recognition of its achievements and further ambitions the orchestra has decided to rename itself The Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra.

Richard Howarth, President and Chief Conductor of the orchestra said: “I’m very excited about the future of the orchestra as we build our audiences and increase the number of playing members.

“The change of name to Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra marks the beginning of a new chapter with a promise from us all to engage with as many music lovers as possible, whether participants or listeners.

“With our new name we aim to stimulate local concert-goers to sit up and take notice.”

The orchestra is particularly keen to welcome more string players to enhance that big symphony sound.

The first concert under the new banner will take place on Saturday, November 17, conducted by Orr Guy.

In this concert, in the month of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, the orchestra will pay tribute to those lost in both world

George Butterworth, killed in the Battle of the Somme, set to music poems from A E Housman’s A Shropshire Lad.

The music nostalgically invokes ‘the home thoughts of the exiled lad’.

Vaughan Williams, a contemporary and friend of Butterworth, also celebrated the beauty of the English countryside in his song cycle, Songs of Travel. The programme will also include Beethoven Symphony no 7.

Vienna-based conductor, Orr Guy said: “Having conducted the final Alderley Edge Orchestra concert in May I’m delighted to be invited back to conduct the inaugural concert of the Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra in November.

“What finer symphony to mark the occasion than Beethoven’s exciting Seventh – it will be a great evening.”

For more information about the Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra, visit the website aeso.org.uk

If you are a string player please get in touch via the website or by calling chairman Roger Dowling on 01925 756390. You may be interested in the Workshop Day on Saturday, February 9 2019.

The concert on Saturday, November 17 in the Methodist Church in Alderley Edge starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £1 for under 18s.

Tickets will be available on the door or can be bought in advance through the website aeso.org.uk or on the ticket hotline 01625 581321.