Celebration concert from the Aldworth Philarmonic Orchestra

The Aldworth Philarmonic Orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary the only way it knows how – with a spectacular concert.

Taking place on Saturday at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, the programme features Walton’s Crown Imperial, Nielsen’s Fourth Symphony, and Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto, which will feature Blue Coat School pupil, Edward Reeve, as the solo pianist.

The unique, amateur orchestra was originally based around a small group of friends who networked to bring together a small classical orchestra, and has since expanded to include choral music. It performs three concerts a year, and rehearses intensively for two weekends before each concert.

Andrew Taylor, the orchestra’s musical director, says that the key to its success “is the indescribable ‘buzz’ that surrounds the organisation”.

He continues: “Everyone who gets involved can sense it, including our audience.”

Sharing their love for all things orchestral is an important part of the group’s mandate and it’s something that forms part of this Saturday's preparations for the show.

Its Pick Your Own Instrument event aims to encourage children to take up a classical instrument and give it a go. During the 45-minute session, which starts at 4pm, youngsters are invited to sit alongside members of the orchestra as they rehearse the Crown Imperial. They’ll be able to see how the instruments work together to create a harmonious sound and afterwards ask questions and have a go themselves.

Although the free event is aimed at Year 7 and 8 pupils, it is open to all ages.

And to help demystify the music for adults, the orchestra is launching Audience Asks just before the main concert. This new initiative that invites members of the audience to ask questions to the conductor and the orchestra about the show and what they will hear.

Such is their love for their music, the Orchestra is even offering free entry to people who have never been to a classical music concert before.

Its Concert Virgin scheme has been set up specifically for people who would like to come along and see what the fuss is without paying anything.

n The show starts at 7.30pm and the Audience Asks take place at 7pm.

Tickets for the concert are £12, £8 for concessions, £10 with a Your Reading Passport, and entrance is free for concert virgins. Tickets can be bought from the Box Office at 07532 217325, on the door, or online. For more details, log on to www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk.