Rehearsal and Performance Dates

Autumn Term 2019

August 30 First Rehearsal
September 6, 13, 20, 27
Saturday 28 September - Concert St Mary's Church Thatcham
October 4 (John Sayer conducting) 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6
Friday 11 October AGM
Sunday 20 October - Play Day, Acland Hall, Cold Ash 10 till 4
Friday 13 December - Beenham Christmas Concert

Spring Term 2020
Saturday 25 January - Joint concert with Berkshire Maestros
Saturday 21 March - Concert St Mary's Church Thatcham
Saturday 16 May - Potential concert Theale (WW2)

Beenham Wind Orchestra in the NWN

Band in the Barn!

Refusing to let the poor weather stop a fantastic evening, we moved our 20 year celebratory concert from the recreational grounds to a local barn. It was a fantastic turn out with everyone in excellent singing voice as the band performed well known songs from the last night of the proms. Soprano Theresa Lunn provided a rousing end to the evening with a stunning performance of Rule Britannia. It was also a very sad farewell to Simon Witcomb, our founder, who will soon be moving away from the area.

Whitchurch Fete - Saturday 4th May

The great British weather tried to challenge us on our first fete of the season, but we were not to be beaten. Despite our marquee deciding to try and make an early exit from our performance, the band braved the weather at this fantastic, fun and family friendly event. The orchestra provided the audience with some appropriate “May the fourth” music, including a medley from Star Wars. The warm tea and cake were appreciated by all at the interval!

Concert - Celebrating 20 Years of Playing

2019 sees BWO celebrate its 20th anniversary. Formed in 1999 from a select group of musicians, as part of Beenham’s millennium celebrations, the orchestra now boasts over 40 players. 

As part of the celebration, the two concerts this year will include our favourite repertoire from the last 20 years. 

If you enjoyed the first concert, the second concert is on Saturday 28th Septmber, 7.30pm and includes pieces by Philip Sparke,Richard Rodgers and John Williams. 

Tickets Paid in advance £10 On the door: £12 U18s £2

Available from Orchestra Members, Picture iT, 17 High Street, Thatcham or phone (answerphone) 0118 9712575

Photos of our recent concert

Our compere for the evening, the Rev. Mark Bennett, made us laugh, gave us time to catch our breath and gave the audience some interesting facts about our pieces, the witty and informative script written, as usual, by our bass clarinettist, Elaine Guy. A full complement of saxes and the trumpet section led by Andy Smets Our lovely flute section Serious business, playing the oboe! Our fantastic percussionists............ and their equally fantastic kit!

Concert Review

Many thanks to Councillor Jeff Beck who sent this letter to the Newbury Weekly News.