St James Orchestra, Paisley

St James Orchestra, Paisley
St James Church, Underwood Road, Paisley, PA3 1TL

St James Orchestra
For over 40 years in Paisley, St James Orchestra has been at the centre of musical activity. Rehearsing and performing in the superb setting of St James Church, the Orchestra gives at least two concerts each year. Repertoire includes both traditional works from the concert platform and newer or more unusual works, including many premières. The ethos is 'music making for fun' and the atmosphere friendly and welcoming. If you play an orchestral instrument, or even if you just like orchestral music, read on!

History
St James Orchestra was formed in 1964 to accompany a performance by the church choir. The orchestra thereafter developed an identity of its own, though links with the church have been maintained and the facilities of the church are used for both weekly rehearsals and two concerts each year.

In 40 years, the orchestra has performed over 150 different works by more than 70 composers and regularly breaks new ground in terms of works and musical styles. The repertoire of the orchestra extends from the Baroque through most of the major Classical and Romantic composers to works of this century. In addition to the standard concert repertoire, the orchestra has a commitment to the work of living composers and has regularly premiered, and occasionally commissioned, new music.

In 2000, St James Orchestra received a grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme and commissioned Martin Dalby to compose three short movements based on the music of the Scottish fiddle composer James Scott Skinner. The resulting suite, A Wheen in Doric, received its first performance at our November 2000 concert.

As well as established professional musicians, soloists have included young musicians at the start of their career, for whom performing with an amateur orchestra can provide valuable experience.


	November concert Saturday 26th November 2011 Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JF at 7:30pm With James Willshire (piano) Tickets: £8 (Under 26 £2)
	Humperdinck - Hansel and Gretel Overture Liszt - Piano Concerto No 1 Dvořák - Symphony No 9 'From the New World'
	Tickets can be purchased at: Paisley Arts Centre Box Office New Street Paisley PA1 1EZ Telephone 0141 887 1010 or from www.wegottickets.com
	How to find us

Contact Tel: 01505 816132 Email: info@stjamesorchestra.org.uk

St James Church, Underwood Road, Paisley, PA3 1TL