Here’s the latest letter to Friends of St Mewan Sinfonia. If you would like to become a Friend, email us by clicking on this link.

Reg. Charity No. 1021171Friends’ letter Spring 2024 Dear Valued Friend of the Orchestra, It is a privilege to write to you once again in the Spring of 2024, and update you on all the orchestra’s news: However, at this point I should perhaps repeat what I normally say in my ‘Annual Christmas Message to the Nation’ which is that you are an adult and if you don’t want to read this message for whatever reason, then, of course, you don’t have to. What we would really like is for you to come along to one of our warm fuzzy friendly concerts and say hello. That would be most welcome, and the most supportive thing you could do. Well, this season has been very interesting indeed. As I told you before, January 2023 was our last concert with our conductor Nigel Wicken, and last June you may have attended a concert in which two of our long-standing orchestral members, both experienced conductors themselves, took one half of the concert each at St Tudy and St Winnow. Those concerts were a real success thanks to Laura and Stephen, as well as thanks to all the hard work of the individual orchestral members. So, come September we needed to advertise and audition for a new conductor. I’m so pleased to say that Nick Beach applied, and such was his reputation, several other potential candidates then withdrew their application. Nick is busy transforming the orchestra in terms of our general playing styles but also in terms of introducing us to new repertoire which continues to astonish and delight even those of us who thought we knew most of the string orchestra repertoire already. I think it is safe to say that Nick is taking us to new heights in terms of our interpretation of the music as well as the standard of our sound production, often through the adjustments of bow stroke or musical emphasis. He is ably assisted in his conducting duties by Stephen Brown. They make an excellent team. So, what else have we been up to? Well, we managed a loosely Christmas themed concert back in December in St Clement Church in a village close to Truro which was very well attended, and we seem to be building a loyal audience there. Looking to the future we are playing in St Sampson’s Church Golant on 17 th March which is a Sunday Afternoon at 6.30, (there will be wine); and then we embark on our series of two summer concerts on 22 nd June in Mylor Church at 7.30. the church right down by the harbour, and at St Winnow on 7 th July at 7.30. There will be more concerts in the Autumn of 2024 including another in St Clement we hope, and the best way to keep in touch is via our website www.stmewansinfonia.org.uk, an easy one to remember, or you can ‘like’ our Facebook page. (I use these words, but I have no idea what they mean). Lastly, once again, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all the orchestra for your continued support for our activities. Music hire has become very expensive, so we do need people like you, our valued friends, to support us, even if you can’t make it to the concerts, although you have two chances coming up. This is especially important if we want to continue grass roots music performance at local venues in Cornwall. We don’t receive funding from any other source, and around half the proceeds from concerts go to the venue as we are a charity whose aim is to support other charities. So please do continue to support us if you can, the best way to do so of course, is to come to one of the concerts, bring some friends, and say hello and/or give us some feedback on repertoire and performance, or just talk to us. Otherwise, any help you can give us financially is much appreciated, our online banking details are: St Mewan Sinfonia, Treasurers Account Sort 30-98-97 Account 797 659 62 and in addition, if you have not yet done so, please fill in the attached new gift aid form. (Did I mention that there are two concerts for you to attend this Summer as well as the one in March?) With many thanks and appreciation Martin White (Leader) On behalf of St Mewan Sinfonia.