THE Monmouth Concert Orchestra is encouraging more players to join its ranks as it faces its biggest challenge yet.

The orchestra is applying to compete for the title of Great British Amateur Orchestra. The BBC competition is searching for the most inspirational orchestra that captures the spirit of beautiful British amateur music.

The orchestra is now well-established numbering some 50 regular players, many of whom had not picked up their instruments in decades, in many cases, since leaving school. The orchestra gives musicians an opportunity to dust down, tune up their old instruments and get back up to speed.

The orchestra plays an eclectic repertoire of music, including show tune medleys and popular classics.

Musical director, David J Davies, said: “We like to play what people want to hear, and we love to play what people want to sing along to.”

After a successful Christmas concert at Llandogo Village Hall, the orchestra is already busy preparing a programme for its spring concert in May.

The group practices fortnightly on Friday evenings. If you’re interested in joining, contact the orchestra’s secretary Christine on 01600 860224 or visit: www.moncomm.co.uk

Members would be particularly delighted to welcome trumpeters, oboists, percussionists, cellists and viola players.