Leader Steps Down

Wendy Clark writes...

Dear All,

Some of you may have heard that I have had to step down as leader of NSO. I had been contemplating leaving after the Autumn Concert as I have been finding the travelling to and from the rehearsals difficult and have also felt the need to pace myself due to teaching and family commitments.

However, a few weeks ago I was diagnosed with melanoma, very early-stage skin cancer and as I will be having surgery hopefully in the next few weeks, I thought it would be best to concentrate on my recovery and bring my leaving the orchestra forward by a term.

I had really been looking forward to leading this term's wonderful programme, but I am leaving you in the very capable hands of Susie Henwood, an excellent violinist and friend of mine from our Royal Academy of Music days. I have told her what a fantastic orchestra you are and she is really looking forward to meeting you all!

It has been such a joy leading you the past few years. You have been so encouraging and appreciative and rest assured that I have learnt as much from you as you may have learnt from me. I have seen the orchestra go from strength to strength, especially my beloved string section, and I am so proud of our musical achievements and the wonderful concerts we have given. I am sure that with Susie's leadership and Jonny's insight and musicianship you will continue to amaze audiences.. and yourselves!

I wish all of you the best of luck in everything you do, musical and otherwise. It has been and honour and a privilege to have been your leader. 

Keep enjoying your music!

With love to all of you,

Wendy x

Posted 8/9/25

Soloist for Spring 2026 Concert Confirmed

The Newbury Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that violinist Yume Tomita has been confirmed as soloist to perform the Sibeleus concerto at our Spring Concert in March 2026.  

Seventeen-year-old violinist Yume Tomita is a grand prize winner of the “Il Piccolo Violino Magico” International Competition for Young Violinists in Italy. She is also a former prize winner at the Ilona Feher International Violin Competition in Hungary (1st prize), Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in Italy (2nd prize) and Grumiaux International Violin Competition in Belgium (3rd prize).

Yume was born in the UK in 2008 and began to play the violin when she was five years old. She was awarded a place at the Yehudi Menuhin School where she studied with Natasha Boyarsky, Diana Galvydyte and Ning Kam. Yume is currently studying with Dr. Robin Wilson.

Yume’s concerto debut came in 2019 with Anima Musicae Chamber Orchestra in Budapest and her recent highlights include appearances at Cremona Mondomusica in Italy, numerous concerto engagements with Accademia d’Archi Arrigoni also in Italy and an appearance in Klassiek Leeft Festival in Belgium. The 2025 Spring/Summer season includes concerto performances with Marlborough Concert Orchestra (Tchaikovsky), Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra (Barber) and National Symphony Orchestra (Mozart Sinfonia Concertante). 

She is also a keen chamber musician and is one of the founding members of the all-violin group, QUADPHONICS which has just returned from its hugely successful tour in Japan. Yume has recorded Sarasate Navarra for 2 violins with her sister Coco Tomita and YMS Orchestra, and was also featured in Coco Tomita’s second album both released from Orchid Classics in 2024.

Yume performs regularly on a violin made for her in 2020 by Frédéric Chaudière of Montpellier. On a number of other occasions, she has also performed on fine Italian violins kindly loaned to her by a generous sponsor through the Beare’s International Violin Society and Florian Leonhard Fine Violins. 

Posted 17/7/25

Spring Concert Raises over £400 for Newbury's Leading Homeless Charity

Posted 17/4/25

The NSO is proud of its collaberation with Loose Ends, Newbury's leading homeless charity, to provide funds for their drop in centre for those in acute need. We are delighted to report the following good news from Loose Ends... 

Loose Ends Newbury were delighted to be given the opportunity to once again provide interval drinks for the Spring Concert on Saturday 22nd March. The concert audience were in good spirits following the first half of the concert and very generous in their contributions. The evening raised a total of £440 for Loose Ends and as all volunteers at Loose Ends are unpaid every penny of the money raised will go directly to providing services for those in need in the local community.

Loose Ends Newbury is a well established drop-in centre providing hot meals in a safe and welcoming environment to people who are homeless, lonely or vulnerable as well as those who are simple struggling to make ends meet.

Loose Ends sessions for adults operate five times a week and provide nutritious food and other essentials and allow clients to socialise and meet up with other agencies who may be able to help them.  A weekly family session (called Northcroft Kitchen)  operates after school on a Monday for parents/carers and their children. Everyone can enjoy a meal, and the children can play while the grown-ups relax!

SWINDON STRINGS AT CHRISTMAS

Saturday 14th December

Posted 1/12/24

Swindon Strings at Christmas is back! If interested contact Wendy Clark at wendyeclark@hotmail.com .

Saturday  14th  December 3-5pm with a short break for tea/coffee/mince pies and sherry.

We will be meeting at ST FRANCIS C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL, AIKEN ROAD, TAW HILL, SWINDON, SN25 1UH. It is opposite Taw Hill Medical Centre and there is plenty of free parking.

It will be a relaxing fun afternoon of old favourites, surprises and Christmas music.

There will be a fee of £10  to cover the cost of the hall, payable on the day and please remember to bring a music stand.

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might want to come along. I would also appreciate it if you could let me know if you will be coming so I can arrange enough parts for everyone.

Wendy is Looking forward to seeing you and playing together again!