Chester Sinfonia

05/07/2026

What a wonderful way to round off the year! It was fantastic to see so many members and friends come together for our sharing picnic and celebrate another successful year of music-making.

As our conductor, Helen Thomas, steps down after eight years with the orchestra, she shared these heartfelt words:

"I'm really going to miss the friendship group and music-making that is Chester Sinfonia. Over the last 8 years we've grown not just in size but in our collective musical abilities. Thanks everyone for the kind messages, the flowers and the very generous gift card."

We would like to thank Helen for her dedication, leadership and musical inspiration over the past eight years, and wish her every success as she takes up her new role as Music Director with Westmorland Orchestra.

We also look forward to welcoming Neill Jackson, who will be taking over from the autumn season.

Here's to new beginnings, lasting friendships, and many more years of making music together!

16/06/2026

Join us for our annual summer sharing event and picnic on Friday 3rd July at 7pm at St Columba's Church hall, Plas Newton Ln, Chester CH2 1SA.

We'll be playing music by Louise Farrenc and our very own composer/violinist Alan Jones.

It's free with donations going to Wateraid in memory of our friend and double bassist Fergus O'Brien.

15/05/2026

We know you're involved in great projects. Use the comments below as a virtual "Community Noticeboard" for your non-Sinfonia gigs (concerts, workshops, charity, playdays)!

Just drop a comment or poster to spread the word.
Add your details below! 👇

22/04/2026

https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/english-touring-opera-pagliacci/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRV5HBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR5gpqZ8BzPxG0a4msAQl33u2AFN3DOdDxBsts-WRZXzMq7Wg1cZAqP96pPr-w_aem_vh2dmDieQe24AVrvQcmjtQ

When Canio, leader of a theatre troupe, sees his life reflected in rehearsals for an upcoming opera, he becomes convinced that his wife is having an affair. Can Canio temper his spiralling emotions, or will his jealousy get the better of him? 

10/04/2026

Rehearsals begin again tonight in preparation for our annual Picnic event for friends and family - Friday 3 July this year. By popular request we're returning to Farrenc's Symphony no. 1 following our Play Day early this year. We are also delighted that Alan Jones, one of our violinists, has composed a piece for us called 'Fantasia Devariations'.

31/03/2026

With a busy month of spring celebrations ahead, we’d like to wish a happy Easter, a peaceful Passover, and a joyous Vaisakhi to everyone who is celebrating! ✨

​What musical events are you involved in this month? Drop the dates, details, and poster links for your upcoming concerts and playdays in the comments below. 👇

​We look forward to playing together again on the 10th April! 🎻

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27/02/2026

Welcome to the March edition of our Community Noticeboard! 🎶
Whether it’s a concert, a workshop, or a relaxed playday, we want to hear about it! Drop the details in the comments below to let everyone know where you'll be performing or playing. Let's support each other!

29/01/2026

We know our members are a busy bunch! Whether you're singing in a local choir, guesting with another orchestra, or heading to a chamber music playday, we want to hear about it.

🎹 Drop the details in the comments below!
🎻 Tell us the Who, What, Where, and When.
🎺 Feel free to share links or photos of your posters.
🎸 We'll start a new post each month.

Let’s support each other and keep the local music scene thriving! 🎼✨

21/01/2026

We love you too, Agathe! Only two days until our first rehearsal of the year with Peer Gynt and Agathe Backer Grøndahl's Scherzo for Orchestra.

13/01/2026

Still recovering from an incredible Play Day! 🎻🎺
​On Saturday, the hall was absolutely packed for a full day of music making. We tackled some amazing works, with Beethoven's 2nd and Louise Farrenc's 1st symphonies.
​The concentration in the room was electric and the sound was massive. Huge thanks to everyone who brought their instruments and their energy.
​Check out some of our favourite shots from the day below! 👇