A “lifeline” orchestra has motivated three generations of a family to play the violin together.
Wiltshire’s Marlborough Concert Orchestra, composed of members ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, is seeking new amateur musicians to join their ensemble.
Grandmother Miranda Wilson, 80, plays alongside her daughter Anna, 50, and granddaughter Astrid, 17.
“We played chamber music as a family, and that tradition has continued with my children and their children,” said Miranda Wilson.
Astrid Wilson-Gignoux, who started playing the violin at four years old, said, “Being able to play with other people has always made it worthwhile.”
Musical director Phil Singleton described the orchestra at St. Mary’s Church as “a joy and a passion and often a lifeline for people.”
The orchestra, which consists of 35 players and meets weekly, encourages those who cannot play to come and watch.
Charlotte Brown, a flute and piccolo player, described it as “a chance to participate in something that you all love doing together.”
“I see it as something that I do just for myself. I don’t do it for my family. I don’t do it for my little boy. I just do it for me, which I think is a wonderful thing,” she said.
‘Really Magical’
Being part of the orchestra not only allows members to create beautiful music together but also fosters a strong sense of belonging.
For cellist Rob Napier, it’s all about perseverance. “Sometimes it’s difficult to get right, but with the right atmosphere, the right conductors, and the right attitude of people, it can be really magical,” he said.
The orchestra is currently preparing for its annual summer concert, set to take place on Saturday.
