Croscombe Village Orchestra is marking its 50th anniversary with a series of celebrations in 2025, including two special concerts to commemorate its remarkable journey since it was founded in January 1975.

The first concert will take place on Saturday, 18 January 2025, at Croscombe Village Hall. It promises a formal evening of classical favourites, featuring Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), Rossini's Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, and Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1. Adding a personal touch, the violin soloist will be Peter Sackett, grandson of founding member Jo Sackett.

A second concert on Saturday, 17 May 2025, will adopt a Prom-style approach, offering a relaxed, family-friendly evening of shorter, well-loved pieces. Both performances start at 7pm, with tickets priced at £10 for adults and free for under-16s. Tickets will be available from The George Inn, Croscombe, starting Thursday, 2 January 2025, and on the door (subject to availability).

Ticket holders can also explore an archival display showcasing the orchestra's history, which will be open from 6pm on concert evenings, and enjoy celebratory refreshments with donations welcome.

Reflecting on the milestone, Jo Sackett, a founding member and secretary for five decades, said, "When we started this orchestra in 1975, we could only dream of reaching this point. It's amazing to see how far we've come and to celebrate this occasion with both familiar faces and new ones. We look forward to many more years of music-making.

"My son Jonathan triggered the idea when he commented that the 1973 Christmas service at St Mary the Virgin, Croscombe, 'could have done with an orchestra'.

"On the cold evening of January 15th, 1975, fifteen adults and children met to make music together under my leadership.

"In early 1977, I asked Graham Robinson, formerly a musician in the Royal Marines, to take over as the conductor of thirty members, giving two concerts a year in various venues. These often included performances by the Bevan Family Choir, the Roseberry Trio, and David and Virginia Nasmyth.

"Croscombe Village Hall is now our permanent home. Tony Bevan became conductor in late 1978, and since then has steered the orchestra through calm and choppy waters, up to the present day."

Croscombe Village Orchestra, circa 1980 (supplied)

Anthony Bevan, who has conducted the orchestra since 1978, praised its impact on the local community. "It has been an honour to lead this wonderful orchestra for so many years, watching so many talented young musicians find their voice and their passion for music. We are a family, and this anniversary season is a testament to the dedication and joy that music has brought to all of us."

Over the past 50 years, Croscombe Village Orchestra has nurtured many young musicians, some of whom have gone on to successful careers as orchestral players and soloists. Known for its diverse repertoire, the orchestra performs works from classical composers like Corelli and Grieg to modern pieces such as those by Nobuo Uematsu. It also provides musicians with opportunities to play in smaller ensembles and as soloists.

Instrumental players of Grade 3 standard and above are warmly encouraged to join the orchestra. Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings at Croscombe Village Hall, and new members of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Anthony Bevan on 01749 344180. Further details about the anniversary concerts and ticket reservations will also be available on the Croscombe Village Orchestra Facebook page.