The Stamford Orchestra, Altrincham’s very own professional orchestra, has announced a new season of shows – including five family-friendly performances at Market House.
The orchestra, which is made up of members of the North West’s professional orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, Hallé and the Manchester Camerata, has raised over £20,000 for charity since being set up by cor Anglais player Thomas Davey and oboist Andrew Pettitt in 2015.
And it has revealed a new series of shows for 2019 with the aim of widening the appeal of classical music and bringing it “out of the concert hall, to the people”.
Watch a stirring excerpt from the Stamford Orchestra’s concert in Market House in October:
A half-term treat from the Stamford Orchestra at @altrinchammkt today. The orchestra – made up of musicians from @the_halle, @BBCPhilharmonic, @MancCamerata and others – give their time freely and raise money for charity. So far, they’ve raised £17,000 in three years #Altrincham pic.twitter.com/S310rAo7WO
— Altrincham Today (@altrinchamtoday) October 22, 2018
And the first time ever, all evening performances will come complete with a delicious hotpot supper from Jamie at Savages Mussels.
First up is a St Valentine’s Concert at Market House on February 18th with an evening of romantic baroque classics, including ‘Spring’ from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Two family Easter concerts of ‘Tembo – the baby elephant’ will follow at 1pm and 3pm on April 8th, and there will be a Summer Solstice concert on June 17th.
For October half term, there’s a special Peter & The Wolf family concert on October 21st, with sittings at 1pm and 3pm. The season will culminate in a Christmas Spectacular in aid of Shelter and Reverse Rett, on December 9th.
Altrincham Market co-owner Jenny Thompson said: “It’s amazing to welcome them back again. It’s hard to believe that it was back in 2015 that local resident and Hallé oboist Andrew Pettit first approached us to put on a classical event.
“Truth be told we didn’t know what would happen that first Sunday in December, but we never say no to an interesting opportunity, especially when it includes members of the Hallé, the BBC Phil, Manchester Camerata and many more professional orchestras. And it was the right decision as we had a ball!”
Lucy McElhinney, owner of The Music Place and Harfest organiser, added: “The Stamford Orchestra at Market House provides young instrumentalists with huge inspiration… right on their doorstep! It’s easy access to classical music in a down to earth setting; the perfect field trip for budding musicians.”
Depending on the concert, tickets start at £18 for adults, and £9 for under-16s, with standing tickets for a family of four from £35. Membership for the whole season costs £99 and all evening concert ticket prices include a hot pot supper, served from 6.30-7.15pm. Jack In The Box and Reserve Wines will be open to serve drinks from 6.30pm.
For the daytime concerts, Market House Coffee Shop and Sam Joseph Chocolates will be open to serve drinks and refreshments, including cake, coffee and hot chocolate.
Thompson added: “If you haven’t been to a Stamford Orchestra performance at Market House, make 2019 the year that you do! Bring your kids, bring your mum and dad or let them bring you. It’s a really special night.”
To book your tickets, email contact@stamfordorchestra.com, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/stamfordorchestra or call 03336663366.
