Directory: Recently Added Listings 

Founded 1825: 'A large band of usually 30 or more players. We usually perform three well supported concerts per year, as well as representing the town and its regular calendar of ceremonies ... We do not take part in brass band competitions which means that we don’t have to turn folk away because we are oversubscribed e.g. we currently have up to five Baritone Horn players; we just take it in turn to stay tacit in the quiet sections!  We also have a linked Apprentice Band for both young players and adult beginners ... We are well equipped with instruments and can usually lend people an instrument. We prioritise young people when it comes to lending an instrument.'

'YOST is a union of the RSCM, RCO, The FCM and Guild of Church Musicians promoting Organ Scholarships for gifted young organists aged 12 to 18 through donations from Benefactors, Friends and Members ... The Trust been founded to safeguard the future of the great choral tradition of church music ... If we do not actively train a new generation of musical leaders there will be fewer opportunities for young people to engage with the life of the Church ... The Trust's ambitious goal is to establish Organ Scholarships in all areas of the UK by 2021.'

'A friendly string orchestra based in Hitchin aiming to present high standard concerts in the town’s lovely venues. Music played covers a wide variety of different styles and genres and the orchestra often collaborates with guest instrumentalists and singers ... Our orchestra's membership is drawn locally from North Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire with a mix of accomplished amateur players, professional instrumental teachers, and a core of freelance musicians who lead the sections.'

'We are a four-part choir based in Storrington, West Sussex. If you like singing, come and join Storrington’s friendliest choir. No auditions or formalities ... The Sandgate Singers perform at least three concerts at local venues each year: Spring, Summer and Christmas, with music both secular and sacred ... A Community Choir Like No Other! ... Don't Be Shy, Come & Try!'

‘The Choir has established itself, both nationally and internationally, as a major force in the world of male voice choirs. Our motto is “We Sing to Serve” and over the years we have raised many thousands of pounds for charitable and other good causes ... Anyone who thinks they might be interested is invited to come along to one of our rehearsals ... You do NOT have to read music; it helps of course if you do, but most of us don’t / didn’t and you’ll quickly learn the basics that help understanding. You just need to enjoy singing and be able to sing in tune. There are no auditions, just find your voice and join in.‘

‘Keeping a beady eye on the traditional folk music scene of the British Isles.’ Founded 2008: Artists; Interviews; Record Reviews: ‘The music has to be rooted in the traditional music of the British Isles. So, some indication of "trad/arr" in the credits is a big plus. Singer-songwriter material is unlikely to get reviewed unless it also fulfils that requirement. Americana & Country also fall outside our remit. Despite our name, we do not discriminate based on the age of the artist.’

The Alton Organ Society was founded in 1967 and organize each year a series of monthly recitals, running from October to May. The 3 manuals and pedals 'Speechly' organ dates back to 1868 and at its opening 'must have been the largest in any southern Parish Church at the time'. The organ was thoroughly overhauled  in 1965 but with the overriding consideration that 'there should be no major alteration to the existing tonal characteristics - which makes this organ such a wonderful instrument popular with visiting distinguished national and international organists of repute'.

'Are you retired, or close to retirement, and want to play in an orchestra in Glasgow? We are a friendly and relaxed group -- and there are no auditions! The Orchestra consists of about 50 players at all levels, from retired professionals to late starters, with enthusiastic amateurs playing alongside those who learned to play in their youth, only to get reacquainted with their instruments after years raising a family and working towards retirement ... Our concerts (about 10 per year) are for older people at various luncheon clubs around Glasgow. The concerts last about 50 minutes, and are normally held in the early afternoon, about once a month ... Each year our Annual Concert is held in the magnificent surroundings of Glasgow City Chambers and rounds off our season for the year ... Our repertoire is mainly light-classical, and includes music from the shows and films, especially of the 50’s and 60’s, familiar classics, musical theatre, and arrangements of popular songs.'

‘The Midland's LGBT orchestra. BGSO promotes musical talent directly from within the LGBT community, illuminating the diversity that exists within it to the wider community and beyond. As an LGBT orchestra we provide a safe “non-scene” environment centred around a shared interest where people can come together to express who they are without any additional pressure or expectations. We welcome all musicians whether they identify as LGBT or not.’

‘Founded in 2020 by Alexandra Knight, Knight Classical provides bespoke Artist Management, Creative Projects, Consultancy, Orchestral Touring, Video Production and Website Design services for a wide array of individuals and institutions within the classical music field, the wider creative industries, commercial brands and businesses, and beyond.’

‘Founded by its Music Director Christian Curnyn, Early Opera Company’s vision is to celebrate baroque music in ways that stir, delight and inspire audiences.‘

‘We organise charity fundraising Come and Sing concerts. These involve an optional workshop in November followed by an intensive rehearsal on the day of our performance the following February ... The resulting public concert is always thrilling, a joyous experience for all, audience, soloists, chorus and orchestral musicians alike.’

'Meets every Thursday night ... Special guests and resident performers appear at the club most weeks with a singers and musicians "Come All Ye" once every four weeks or so ... Additional concerts at the National Centre for Early Music.'

'Holds music recitals every Sunday lunchtime at 1 pm for 30 minutes for the benefit of visitors to Hampton Court Palace and members of Historic Royal Palaces. The recitals given include organ, piano, solo orchestral instruments, ensembles or vocalists.'

‘Formed in May 2012 and was created to allow people of all singing abilities to get together, make new friends and sing their favourite songs ... The Choir now boasts around 70 Members ... We perform at a variety of events throughout the year from full scale concerts to outdoor events.’

Fortnightly Tuesday lunch-time recitals on the refurbished Sir Malcolm Sargent Memorial Organ. Sargent was Organist and Choirmaster at St Mary’s for ten years from 1914.

'A diverse group of people, all sharing an interest in hymns. There are about 450 individual members (and over 50 subscribing libraries and other institutions). Some have a special interest in words and/or music, there are hymn writers, composers, hymn book editors; many members are responsible for the choice of hymns in worship, others are hymn enthusiasts or simply enjoy singing hymns ... It is a fully inclusive organisation, its membership being open to anyone who has an interest in hymns.'

Main Objectives 'To advance education in and appreciation of the life and works of Richard Strauss'; 'To promote and organise performances of the works and other cultural or educational activities relevant to the appreciation of his works'.

‘We host a diverse range of performers and concerts at the Belfry Centre, from renowned classical musicians and award winning soloists to local jazz ensembles. All set within the beautifully intimate and atmospheric space of the historic school hall, this is one of the best concert venues to see great live music in North Norfolk.’

‘Has established a strong worldwide reputation with band leaders and musicians as a reliable source for trusted and playable publications for Concert Band, Brass Quintet, Saxophone Quintet and Brass Band.’

‘A high quality chamber orchestra, founded in 2008 by former members of Camerata Scotland, and based in Central Scotland. amicus aims to bridge the gap between amateur and professional orchestras, by providing a top quality ensemble for experienced amateurs, music students and professionals ... Amicus orchestra meets and performs about three times a year. Everyone applies to join amicus on a project by project basis. We don’t rehearse weekly like many orchestras but instead commit to a full weekend of intense rehearsals in preparation for a concert.’

’Sunday Afternoon Light Classics performances for wind quintet, harp and violin, classical guitar, string quartet, choirs, ‘cello, organ, brass quintet, clarinet and flute – and more! Also Cathedral Classics: A series of Saturday Lunchtime organ recitals by some of the country’s most eminent recitalists.’

'Offers an outstanding opportunity for amateur players of strings, woodwind, horn and piano to enjoy chamber music with expert coaching in a uniquely friendly and encouraging environment, together with opportunities for orchestral and concerto playing.' Held Late July.

'The School is self-funded and has an extensive programme of outreach and community work, incorporating not only musicians, but other cultural groups and organisations from within the city. The aim is to provide a dynamic and supportive environment that can help young musicians discover their talents and flourish. With new facilities and a favourable location, the eventual addition of the best local instrumental teachers, concerts and competitions, as well as musical ensembles, students have the ability to unleash their full potential.'

‘Founded in 1968 as an offshoot of the S.E. Essex Welsh Society ... Reputedly one of the largest male voice choirs in the UK with over 100 members as well as a large number of Patrons, Sponsors, supporters and friends ... There is no formal audition, and whatever the new member’s musical ability, the musical director is keen to develop members to sing correctly and blend together as a choir and not a group of individuals. The emphasis is on enjoyment, not only for the participants, but also for the audience. There is an excellent balance between inclusiveness, enjoyment and quality of performance.’