Yersterday (17th May 2026), saw the first and historic event for the Veterans’ Orchestra – our very first rehearsal and get-together. It may have been small, but it was an excellent start for the Veterans’ Orchestra of the United Kingdom, and such fine musicianship.
I think you’ll all agree, it turned out to be a lovely and rewarding day, with everything – almost everything – appearing to run smoothly, when in fact the work involved in organizing such events is considerable. I am sure also that you’ll agree that we are especially indebted to Stephane and his family for making all this possible for us, and for their wonderful hospitality.
It was good to see everyone chatting to each other getting to know one another.
What mostly impressed me was the standard of playing (there was no shortage of talent), the sheer professional attitude and ability to improvise, both musically and practically. Finding music for such an unusual instrumentation is not easy. However, now that we know what instrumentation we have available, we can produce compositions and arrangements specially. It was great to hear musicians transposing at sight again – a skill I haven’t come across in orchestras since leaving the army 24 years ago,
In my opinion we would have no difficulty whatsoever performing anywhere with only one rehearsal if we really had to.
Do please continue to spread the word about the Veterans’ Orchestra, and help us find more players. The more we expand, the sooner we’ll be able to develop into something to be very proud of. And if you write music, compose or arrange, you are most welcome to submit your pieces for the orchestra to play.
If you know of any organization which might allow us to borrow music, or of any abandoned stashes of complete orchestral scores and parts for sale, or even of people who have scores and parts they may wish to donate to us, please let us know!
Finally, should you have any thoughts or ideas that we have so far omitted to consider, such as particular ways in which we can develop further and more quickly, ways in which we can improve and promote the Orchestra, suggestions of places where we can perform, or ideas for pieces of music to include, please let us know.
Franck
No responses yet