The Tewkesbury Camerata are a group of musicians who perform three times year at the Tewkesbury Methodist Church.

However, unlike many other groups, the Camerata does not charge an entrance fee for their shows, instead asking for a donation to good causes.

“Once costs have been covered, advertising, venue hire, music hire, then all proceeds go to charity,” explained Mark Aitchison, founder and co-director of the Camerata.

“To date we have donated around £6,000 to charities including The Royal British Legion, Cancer Research, Alzheimer's Society, The National Star College, Help for Heroes, Winston's Wish and Kidney Research.”

Mark grew up in South Wales and studied for a Music Degree at the University of Wales, in Cardiff.

He continued: “I moved to Tewkesbury in 2005 while teaching at a school in Gloucester, since then I have taught at schools in Worcester, Cheltenham, Birmingham and now I teach Music and Drama at Droitwich Spa High School.

“I founded Tewkesbury Camerata in 2012 and now co-direct with Nicky Enderby, a violinist from Cheltenham who now lives and works as a professional violinist in London.”

The Camerata is made up of musicians from all over the country, and usually averages around 30 players per concert.

The music the group plays varies from concert to concert, ranging from hits from stage and screen to more classical repertoire.

The Camerata’s next performance will be at the Tewkesbury Methodist Church on Saturday 16th February, where they will be playing classics from Vaughan Williams, Marquez and Copland.

Mark added: “We have decided to support Tewkesbury Foodbank for our first concert of 2019 as all members of the orchestra are aware of the vital service they provide the people of Tewkesbury.

“We ask the audience to leave a donation, no matter how large or small.

“We have two other concerts lined up for 2019. In June we perform music from local composers, including Gustav Holst, to raise money and awareness for the Holst Birthplace Museum in Cheltenham. We have lined up concerts right up to 2022 which will be our 10th Anniversary!”