Message from Karen:
HUGE congratulations to everyone who was in any way involved in the BSO concert on Saturday. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be there, but I heard that it was a massive success. Special thanks are due to all those who worked so hard to make sure things ran smoothly in the new venue.
BSO members can enjoy a well-earned rest this Wednesday, but the committee will be meeting that evening. If you’re at all interested in joining the committee and would like to join us to see how meetings are run and get to know what is involved, please do let me know.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the BSO rehearsal on Wednesday 11th March, if not before.
Karen x
Karen Mason
Chair
To reply: [email protected]
From the Committee:
SECTION LEADERS’ MEETING: This was planned for this evening, but unfortunately I’m not available. Another time will be fixed very shortly.
Sorry for the change in plan!
Ann
BSO Information:
Rehearsals: NO REHEARSAL THIS WEEK (Committee meeting instead)
Sinfonia Information: Rehearsals start this week for the concert with Bedford Choral Society on March 21st at Bedford Corn Exchange (tickets available now from the Choral Society website)
Your next Sinfonia-only concert is May 2nd: tickets will sell quickly for this as we have Carolyn Sampson OBE singing and she is very well known on the international circuit as an outstanding soprano.
If you have friends and family who want to come, encourage them to book early.
Message from Ann for Publicity:
"I can't remember how I found out about your concert last night, but I suggested to my wife that we go because I particularly wanted to hear Sibelius's Violin Concerto, my favourite of all violin concertos, which I had never heard in concert.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting very much, having heard numerous amateur orchestras over the years.
From a few bars into the Overture I knew that I had set my expectations far too low, and when the cellos, so often the weakest section of non-professional bands, came in with that glorious tune, I couldn't help breaking into a delighted grin.
That was nothing to my emotions in the Concerto. Your soloist was absolutely phenomenal, and the orchestra's outstanding support made the performance a thrilling experience."
This was one of many testimonials we have received since Saturday, all singing your praises - and many people who have never been to our concerts before who were surprised and delighted.
One told me that normally they go to Philharmonia concerts and now will be coming to ours instead... Obviously, I can't share that on social media, but I thought you would like to know!
Congratulations to everyone!
In terms of tickets - where to start?!
You are officially the best sales’ team ever!
Last Saturday night we had approximately 330 people in the audience, which is amazing and is in line with our November 2025 Corn Exchange numbers. Given that this was a new venue that was changed just a few weeks ago, it was a wonderful result!
Thank you so much!
Having a full house changes everything for you, the musicians, and the audience and what a night with a fabulous soloist it was too.
Let’s take this moment to celebrate your hard work to build what is becoming a loyal following as well as new people in the audience!
With feedback like “stunning”, “brilliant evening”, “we’ll be back” and “we never thought an amateur orchestra could sound like that” - we know we are doing a lot of things right!
Thank you to every single person who sold tickets, commented on social media, distributed flyers, spoke to friends and neighbours and encouraged people to come. Your efforts are paying off!
It’s now an expectation that all of our Sinfonia and BSO concerts are extremely well attended and I'm very happy to be researching how to add a "waiting list" function on our ticket platform for the Sinfonia May 2nd concert. Honestly, I hadn't even imagined we would need that 18 months ago!
I’d like to highlight the work of the Front of House Team and BOS Youth Ambassadors without whom we couldn’t guarantee a warm and efficient welcome, which makes all the difference to the concert-going experience.
Once again, Elias has written us a fabulous concert review, which includes a photo of a handwritten message he had from the soloist. Brilliant - he’s such a pro! Thanks, Elias!
Thank you so much to all of our Front of House team for supporting us!
Many thanks to you all!
Best wishes
Ann
PS to reply to me: [email protected]
From our Friends:
From Zoe Ashford, BSO Viola:
String players, here is a chance to play this amazing work!
We will be at the Grey Coat Sports Hall at 98 Regency Street, Pimlico SW1P 4GH. (Free on-street parking after 1.30 pm on Saturday and all day Sunday; nearest station Pimlico.)
Saturday 14 March
14.30-17.30 only
Sunday 15 March
10.30-13.30
14.30-17.15
Open rehearsal 17.45
More info at https://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses/strauss-alpine-symphony/.
Fees are £65 (£35 for students).
We also have room for a few more off-stage brass, joining us from 5pm on the Sunday.
Please contact Anne-Marie Norman or book online.
07483 924338 (24-hr answerphone)
Message from Peter Bussereau:
Les Quatre Violons are playing again at St Paul's Church on the 24th March - do come along!
It's going to be a great concert featuring four members of BOS playing a wonderful programme!
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