Welcome to Peterborough Community Orchestra
At Peterborough Community Orchestra, our passion is to bring people together to make music in a fun and relaxed environment.
About Us
As is often the case with good ideas, the orchestra grew out of a conversation in a pub! Our founder conductor, Robin Norman (a full time music teacher) had the germ of an idea for a music ensemble aimed primarily at adult ‘returners’ and learners. Peterborough Community Orchestra (PCO) had its very first tentative rehearsal in January 2018. We feel we’ve come a long way since that first meeting. We have a pool of thirty members, of all ages. We are on a journey and you are welcome to join us. We play a mainly, but not exclusively classical repertoire. We also add musical theatre, popular music and other genres to the mix.
Robin stepped down as musical director in July 2021 to take up a new career challenge.
The Covid pandemic saw some testing times for PCO. Now in 2023, we’re developing apace with musical director, Charlie Westbrook.
We can accommodate just about any orchestral or band instrument, including percussion/drums, recorder and bass guitar. If you play a non standard instrument, please ask if we have a niche for you. PCO is made up of a wide mix of abilities. We ask that you play at ABRSM grade 3 standard minimum. You do not need a certificate or an audition, but please note that although our members are friendly and will answer occasional musical queries, we cannot provide instruction. We also have grade 8+ members. All ages and family groups are most welcome, including adult learners and returners. Just get in touch or drop in to one of our rehearsals. There is no charge for your first three sessions, while you decide if we are the sort of orchestra you are looking for. It can be daunting to walk into a room full of people who already know each other. We appreciate that, and will meet you at the door and show you the ropes.
Chairman. Brian Miles
Treasurer. Caroline Howell
Rehearsal & Concert Dates 2023
We meet at:
The Parish church of St Oswald & the Sacred Heart
933, Lincoln Road Peterborough PE4 6AE 7.30pm-9.30pm.
(Entrance to the hall & car park is at the rear of the church. Access is from Paston Lane & is available from 7pm.)
AUTUMN TERM
Wednesday 1st November.
(This additional rehearsal ONLY, will be held at Crowland Abbey, East Street, Crowland, PE6 0EN)
Back to St Oswald's Church Hall.
Wednesday 8th November, Wednesday 15th November, Wednesday 22nd November,
Wednesday 29th November,
Wednesday 13th December
Please bring your own music stand. You will also need a soft 4B pencil; available from us at cost.
If you are interested in joining us, then get in touch via the contact page. We would love to meet you!
PCO WINTER CONCERT, CROWLAND ABBEY, An Evening Of Seasonal Music. WEDNESDAY 6th DECEMBER. Exact time & details TBC.
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Music was my first love, and it will be my last.
Music of the future and music of the past........
To live without my music
Would be impossible to do.
In this world of troubles,
My music pulls me through.
Music (was my first love).
Song by John Miles; 1976.
