1
Number of existing orchestras
55 and growing
Current number of musicians
2
Current number of planned performances
Announcments
Calling String players
We are in need of string players. As we build our orchestra, we are realising that we need civilian string players to bolster our orchestra. As you probably know, the British forces haven’t typically had that many string players in the bands, with the exception of the few orchestras that used to exist. Contact us if you are interested in more information and/or being part of your regional Veterans’ Orchestra.
First Get-Together
Since the beginning, we have been wanting to bring everyone together for a first bash and chat. We are now working hard at getting a date in the calendar. Keep an eye open for a date announcement, hopefully soon.
Join us! It will only take a minute
A few things we do
This Orchestra is open to all veterans, whatever their standard and experience. We provide veteran musicians from across the whole width and breadth of the British Isles, with the space to play and flourish, and to belong to a musical community, through being part of this growing orchestra and other regional orchestras being started across the United Kingdom.
Championing emerging talent
From Soloist to Composer, we want to make sure talent is recognised and championed.
Building relationship
At the heart of who we are is the building of long lasting healthy relationships, between individuals, families, communities, etc.
Exposure to opportunity
We aim to give those with the desire and talent, the exposure to be ready for when opportunity knocks.
Concerts and Performances
In every concert and performance we produce, there will be a slot for showcasing a new and emerging talent: a soloist, a new composition or arrangement, or a guest conductor appearance.
Building a portfolio
As time goes on, we will build a portfolio of our own works that our composers have created, and that our soloists have performed, as well as recordings of the orchestra as a whole.
Integral part of the Orchestra
Another core value of our Orchestra is to make sure all veterans, whatever their musical standard, feel welcomed and part of something worthwhile, and being integral to the working of the Orchestra.
About us
A Veterans’ Orchestra
We are a newly established orchestra dedicated to assisting veteran musicians from the British Forces in their transition to civilian life, whatever their standard and whatever their length of service.
Our aim is two fold: firstly, it is to create a supportive musical community for those who are transitioning out, or have already left the forces, through playing in the Veterans’ Orchestra, and all subsequent regional orchestras that will popup as our numbers grow.
Secondly, we want to champion hitherto unknown composers, conductors, arrangers, and talented soloists, by promoting their creativity and letting them express it on the concert stage.
Initially we will start with one orchestra, and then as numbers grow, we will create further regional veterans’ orchestras dotted around the country to meet the regional needs. This will facilitate our first objective.
Then from within the “ranks” (pardon the pun) of the orchestra, we will raise a showcase orchestra that will allow for the facilitation of our second objective: to champion new and unknown musical talent.
The mental health of veterans remains a significant societal concern, particularly during the transition from military to civilian life. For veteran musicians, this transition presents additional challenges. Established orchestras often have limited vacancies, creating barriers to continued professional engagement. Our orchestra exists to bridge this gap, offering meaningful opportunities, peer support, and a structured musical environment where veterans can continue to develop and contribute.
Composers and Arrangers
Championing Composers & Arrangers
Drawing inspiration from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, who in the early 1900s championed new and emerging composers, such as Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Holst, we are taking on the baton (pun completely intended) and will champion our very own composers and arrangers, performing works they have created.
Composers
From little ditties, to full blown (pun also intended) Symphonic pieces, we look to perform outstanding musicality compositions that capture the heart and the imagination of the listener.
Arrangers
Composers are not the only ones with a significant impact on Classical music. Arrangers have played a vital role in introducing the public to music that would have otherwise escaped the common man, and we are pleased to champion their creativity also.
Conductors and Soloist
Championing Conductors & Soloists
As with our composers and arrangers we want to champion musicians who are conductors in their own right and who have the ability to showcase great conducting. And of course we want to make sure that soloist get their say, and have an equally important opportunity to demonstrate their talent on the stage.
Conductors
Conducting is a unique skill. It requires precision of communication while also needing a hint of the extravagant. We want to give conductors, past and present, the chance to become the conductors of the future.
Soloists
Where do the amazingly talented soloists come from? How do they find their “voice”? We want to ensure that every musicians who has the talent, the dedication, and the desire, can rise to prominence and showcase their musicality on the stage as solo performers.
Our Team
With a little room to grow, we are currently five trustees and would welcome with open arms someone who has financial or accountancy experience to fill the needs of the orchestra.
Stephan Barbey
Founder, Chair of Trustees, Musical Director
Franck Leprince
Co-Founder, Orchestra Leader, Trustee
Elinor Bagenal
Chief Advisor, Trustee
Rosie Neave
International Relations, Trustee
Wendy Goodland
Chief Admininstrator, Trustee
Contact us
Musician Sign up
support us Now
Donating or fundraising through GoodHub is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with GoodHub – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and claim Gift Aid where applicable. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Latest news from our blog
Write to us or contact us on our social media
Info@theVO-uk.org
We currently do not have a dedicated phone number.
The Veterans’s Orchestra of the United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales. Registered Charity Number 1216460