A concert with music chosen by you

Two local amateur orchestras are staging The People’s Concert in Fareham where the audience will choose in advance what’s on the programme.

The concert will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 4 at the United Reformed Church, Osborne Road South, Fareham.

The music selection process is already well underway.

Music lovers can select their favourites from a list of well-known works.

Voting forms are now available at Solent Diabetes Association shops at 178B West Street, Fareham and 71 High Street, Gosport.

Volunteers will be happy to explain how the scheme works.

Over the years, both the Portsmouth Philharmonia and the Meon Valley Orchestra have raised thousands of pounds for charities by performing popular, light classical pieces.

This time all proceeds will go to the Solent Diabetes Association.

I spoke to Gail Nash from Solent Diabetes who was really delighted with our support.

She said she thinks it’s going to be a fantastic concert.

Portsmouth Philharmonia’s last concert raised over £400.

All the money raised helps people manage their diabetes and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

It is a novel venture and we aim to delight the audience with what they prefer to hear us play.

The Dam Busters’ March, the Blue Danube Waltz and Pomp and Circumstance are among the numbers up for grabs.

People may not know all the tunes on our list but they can check them out on YouTube.

The voting closes on Friday September 30, so there’s only a few days left.

Both orchestras need time to rehearse before the big event.

Concert tickets will be on sale in the new year.

As well as tranquil works like Greensleeves and Summer Night on the River, we have up-tempo pieces like Rimsky-Korsakov’s Dance of the Tumblers and Rossini’s Barber of Seville.

There’s something for everyone.

Both amateur orchestras need additional musicians, especially string players, percussionists and brass.

No auditions are necessary but those who are interested should contact me 07760 176687.