Excitement is building in Rotherham, ahead of its newly-formed orchestra’s debut concert. Rotherham Symphony Orchestra will perform in Clifton Park, Rotherham on Saturday 9th September.

The orchestra, which has been rehearsing since May, is made up of both professional and amateur players of all ages. It has been set up by Rotherham Music, and in the autumn members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra will be coming to work alongside the new group and offer guidance.

George Morton is the orchestra’s musical director and is thrilled to be involved in the project: “I am very excited to be conducting the inaugural RSO performance in September. Rotherham (and the surrounding area) has a thriving music scene with a huge pool of fantastic orchestral musicians and it’s wonderful to be part of the area’s brand new orchestra. Our opening concert will be a celebration of music from around the world, culminating in the traditional ‘Last Night of the Proms’ festivities!”

The programme includes popular favourites such as Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March no. 1 and The Dambusters March by Eric Coates. Solo singers Charlotte Kenny and Rosie Thicket will also be performing with the orchestra.

Orchestra leader Hannah Thompson-Smith, who is also Strings Co-ordinator at Rotherham Music, is proud to be involved in the venture: “It’s such a lovely thing for Rotherham to have and is a wonderful way of bringing the community together. All ages are involved, including students, and it’s a great opportunity for them to be able to play alongside more-experienced musicians.”

More information about the orchestra can be found on Rotherham Music website and on the orchestra’s Facebook page. To buy tickets visit the Rotherham Theatres website.