Xen wins St Wilfred’s Stars Award for Culture awarded by Ripon Together, presented here by Kate on 5th Nov 2024 after our AGM.
Summer 2024 social
Somewhat inclement weather…
Summer concert July 2024
We played a selection of pieces to a very receptive audience
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite (3 pieces), 2nd movement from Schubert’s 9th Symphony, Ewazen’s Four Seiber’s Royal dances for strings, Dances for Wind , Elgar’s Une Idylle Solo Violinist Grace Hughes, and finished with Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite (Mazurka & Gallop).
Summer Concert July 2023
We played a selection of pieces , to a fabulous audience.
Little Suite for Orchestra – Arnold
Feuerfest Polka – Strauss
L’Arlésienne Suite – Bizet
Iolanthe Overture – Sullivan
Carnival of the Animals – Saint-Saens
Crisantemi – Puccini
“Could you pass on my thanks and congratulations to everybody for last night’s concert? In many ways I think it was one of the best we’ve ever done! Best wishes to all. Hope to see as many of you as possible , next September! Xen”
The following week the sun was shinning for our wonderful Summer BBQ party at Studley Roger
Summer Concert July 2022
It was great to see so many people at our socially distanced BBQ in July, we were even blessed with some sunshine.
Welcoming all existing players back in September and any new players will of course be very welcome. Look out your instruments folks!
CALLING ALL PLAYERS
As another exciting year draws to a close the orchestra continues to evolve.
The string section is still looking for new players but is developing a wonderful sound and tightness.
The brass section has blossomed and boasts 3 trombones, 3 french horns however new trumpet players would be welcome as our previous trumpet player has gone to oxford university.
The orchestra prides itself on its welcome and care of newcomers so just check the ‘Rehearsal Dates’ page.
It is helpful to email our friendly chairman Simon at hartwith@icloud.com and let me know so I can he looking out for you and that we have adequate provision of music parts etc.
You can be assured of a very warm welcome.
Update Nov 2020: As we are not currently rehearsing, if there are any potential new members out there reading this, please do drop our friendly chairman Simon an email and we will keep in touch with our plans for 2021.
April 2021 Update..
We are hoping in line with Government guidelines & Covid relaxation rules permitting, that from June 2021 we may be able to restart and have a couple of informal rehearsals and a summer social. We will update here with dates once these are confirmed. Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon. Dust down those instruments folks!
Update – our Winter concert with the Killinghall Village Voices choir on Sunday 29th January 2023 was well attended by a large & very appreciative audience.
We started with an extract from Schuberts Rosamunde, followed by an excellent performance by our leader and soloist Joy Fletcher for SaintSaens Danse Macabre. The Choir sang a lovely selection of songs accompanist by their director Ken Briggs on the keyboard. There was an interval where the performers and audience were rewarded with tea, coffee and homemade cakes & a Raffle prize draw. The concert recommenced with Shostakovich’s Jazz suite No.2, Malcom Arnolds Little Suite no.2 and a finale of Im Krapfenwaldl (in the magical woods) by Strauss.
Our Summer concert July 2022 was attended by a lovely audience at Bishop Monkton Village Hall. , we played Schubert “Unfinished Symphony”, Dvorak Slavonik Dance no.8, Meugher (by Peter Dodson) and English Folk Songs, Vaughan Williams.
We will be back rehearsing from Tuesday 20th September 2022, any new players please do email Simon as above.
Update Spring 2022
We’re well into our rehearsal schedule for 2022, the music is coming along nicely. Its great to see some new members have joined us. Our rehearsals are a little more “Covid relaxed” – many members are choosing not to wear face masks in line line with more relaxed rules “out & about”. We are looking forward to our next Summer Concert Tuesday 5th July 8 pm at Bishop Monkton Village Hall. (free entry, raffle & donations welcome)
Update Sept 2021 – Its great to be back folks!
We are back rehearsing weekly. We are following “covid safe” guidance. Hand gel is provided on entry to the village hall, players are requested to wear face masks on arrival and when moving around the hall. Players are requested to continue wearing face mask when playing where able (clearly not wind & brass!). We are using individual stands and are seated 1m + apart.
Update Dec 2021
We had a great socially distanced social Christmas meal and quiz at the Ripon golf club. We are planning (as long as there are no covid restrictions advising otherwise ) to restart rehearsals on Tuesday 11th Jan 2022
ripon community orchestra 