Leighton–Linslade Gala Orchestra

The Leighton–Linslade Gala Orchestra was founded in February 2017. It brings together local musicians and provides an opportunity for orchestral playing whilst raising money for local charities. The Orchestra normally consists of around 40 players involving strings, full woodwind and brass sections, percussion and keyboard.

Concerts are not given regularly, although the Orchestra aims to give one or two each year.

Membership

If you are interested in joining the Orchestra new players are always welcome. There is no membership subscription and because this is a fund-raising venture, players are not paid a fee or expenses (although exceptionally a small amount of expenses may be paid). There are no auditions but players are expected to be of a reasonable standard and able to cope with the music on a small number of rehearsals.

The Orchestra does not rehearse regularly, and usually there are two or three rehearsals in the couple of weeks before a concert. Players should normally commit to at least two of these rehearsals.

Repertoire

The Orchestra usually plays selections of light orchestral music including music from films, musicals and TV/radio programmes and arrangements of popular songs. Programmes are designed to have lots for everyone to enjoy, both young and old and everyone in between.

Venues

Most performances take place in the Leighton Buzzard/Linslade area of Bedfordshire. There are two principal venues: All Saints Church in Leighton Buzzard (venue details) and the nearby St. Barnabas Church in Linslade (venue details).

Fund raising

An important aspect of the Orchestra is its fund raising. Whilst the Orchestra has to cover some costs for items such and insurance and website, all the remaing funds from its concerts are donated to a worthy charity – usually a local charity.

Concerts in the past have raised money for Citizens Advice Leigton–Linslade, Leighton Linslade Homeless Service (now Leighton Linslade Community Food Bank), and Macmillan Cancer Support.