The Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra have been celebrating a quarter of a century of musical excellence in 2018, as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations.

Since their first performance in 1993, the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra has played at some of the most prestigious venues across the country, their talented musicians leaving a lasting impression on audiences. This year the ensemble has been celebrating their 25th anniversary, with a concert held at the Forest Theatre in Coleford last month.

Viv Hargreaves, Vice-Chairman at the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra, is proud to have seen the orchestra reach the landmark anniversary. She said: “Everyone involved in the orchestra is so pleased to have hit the 25-year anniversary mark. It’s a real thrill to be involved in such a thriving collection of talented musicians, who all work so hard to put on as many performances as possible throughout the year.

“Ahead of a performance we can start rehearsals months in advance. There’s a lot of hard work involved, we practise for two hours every week at Newnham Primary School. We’re very lucky to have such a committed collection of musicians and conductors who all work so hard. Being part of a successful orchestra is a great thrill, it’s wonderful for the Forest of Dean to have such a thriving collection of musicians.

“We are blessed with an abundance of talent. Our pianist, Adam Herron, has the most incredible passion for music. He performed at the Keyboard Category Final of BBC Young Musician 2018, which was broadcast on BBC Four Television, and in 2017 he was unanimously made the recipient of the Irish Heritage Music Award following a lauded performance at London’s Wigmore Hall. We’re very lucky to have him, he’s one of the most talented pianists in the country.”

Formed in 1993, the orchestra has seen a succession of notable conductors including its first, Jonathan Trim, who currently conducts the Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra and Glyn Oxley, who is artistic director of the Gloucestershire Academy of Music and conducts Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra.

Viv plays a big role in Gloucestershire’s musical landscape. She continued: “I’m involved in the Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year competition, so I get to see just how many talented up-and-coming musicians there are in the county. Young musicians need to experience what it’s like to play with an orchestra, they learn a great deal about timing. It’s great to offer them opportunities with our orchestra. I’ve been living in the forest for many years. It’s a wonderful part of the country and I’m very proud to be associated with the orchestra.”