Testimonials

From our audience members:

‘Superb concert. A lovely evening out. Thank you.’ Sheila

‘The programme was perfect and the music was sublime!’

‘The beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s Church was a fitting location for an exquisite performance of Vaughan Williams’ fifth symphony by Bedford Sinfonia.’ Audience member

‘We were sitting in the gallery so got the full effect of the swelling strings. Really superb playing from the whole orchestra, with special mention of the woodwind.’ Audience member

“It was a record turn-out for a concert at St Paul’s! The concert was great and the string sound in the church was excellent. Congratulations all round.’ Jane

‘What a wonderful concert!! The talk by Paul Harris was so interesting and the last movement of the concerto such fun! The Vaughan Williams was simply sublime. Loved every second!’ Caroline 

‘What a stunning evening of music from Elgar and Tchaikovsky, delivered by the superb BSO. It is one of the jewels in the crown of Bedford – we are so lucky to have them!’ Audience member

‘I was thrilled to be at a wonderful concert in the Corn Exchange on November 9th when the BSO played to a packed  audience. We were treated to a stunning performance of  the Elgar Violin Concerto with Michael Foyle as solist. His virtuoso playing combined with the orchestra to produce a really beautiful and exciting performance of this difficult work. Michael’s sound was rich, and moved from the lyrical and tender to the exciting.’ Audience member

‘The Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony was a triumph! It is a demanding piece but the BSO, under the baton of John Beswick, gave of their very best. The beautiful, well-known tunes we love were played beautifully by each section of the orchestra. They combined and overlapped with wonderful attention to the phasing and dynamics. It was glorious. I heard the comment “We are so fortunate in Bedford to have such amazing talent”. So thank you, BSO, for sharing that with us on a memorable night.’ Elizabeth 

‘I shared this deeply enjoyable concert with some of Bedford ‘s Friday Flyer musicians who were really inspired. The standard of playing was captivating throughout; from the mesmerising textures of the Elgar to the sumptuous string playing and exquisite solos of the Tchaikovsky. Bravo and thank you for inviting us!’ Hazel

‘The recent Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra concert was an absolute delight from start to finish. The orchestra performance was captivating throughout. The first work, Enchanted Lake by Lyadov, was beautifully illustrated on screen  by a selection of paintings by Y6 pupils from Greenacres School. Next, Charlie Lovell-Jones the fabulous soloist who interpreted Benjamin Britten’s Violin Concerto Op15 is an incredible talent, making the violin talk in so many colours and tones – an exceptional performance by a young man who I am sure we will hear more of. The final work, Symphony No.2 by Sibelius, was beautifully and sympathetically performed by BSO. A truly wonderful sound that filled the Corn Exchange. How  fortunate Bedford is to have such talented and dedicated musicians. A treat for all those in the audience.’ Audience member

‘Well done to the whole orchestra for a fabulous night! The Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra delivered another magnificent evening of musical entertainment. Lyadov’s The Enchanted Lake was beautifully accompanied by artwork from students of BGI School. Britten’s Violin Concerto brought us the spell-binding performance of soloist Charlie Lovell-Jones. The evening was rounded off superbly with a rousing rendition of Sibelius’s Symphony No.2” Andrew

‘The BSO were on great form last night. The programme allowed the listener’s imagination to range over many different scenes and emotions which the orchestra portrayed superbly well – from the dark, brooding of the Lyadov Enchanted Lake through the highly emotionally charged Britten Violin Concerto to the fantastic pictorial description of Finland in Sibelius’ masterpiece Symphony No. 2.  The variety of tone quality, the dynamic range and the ensemble playing were a delight to hear. The orchestra’s accompanying of the magnificent solo violin playing of Charlie Lovell-Jones was as good as any professional orchestra.’ Ian

‘The young children sitting in front of me really enjoyed Le Boeuf sur Le Toit and the added bonus of going down to meet the soloists David and Rachel during the interval. Well done, BOS!’ Roy 

From our soloists:

‘What an absolute pleasure it was to play with the Bedford Sinfonia last night. I have so many happy memories of playing at the Corn Exchange over the last 50 years or so, and this is was just another to add to that illustrious list.’ David Hext, percussion soloist

‘It was a pleasure to have such a large and appreciative audience, with so many young people there. The varied and interesting programme, delivered with great skill by Ian Smith and the orchestra, captured the essence of the music beautifully.’ Rachel Gledhill, timpani soloist

From our players:

‘Thoughtful and well prepared rehearsals translated into a passionate, high quality performance. Well done!’ Jan 

‘It was wonderful to play to such a great and full audience – it really lifted our energy! It was a greatly enjoyable performance and we’re already looking forward to the next one in two weeks!’ Ben

‘It was a super concert! One of the hardest and most intense programmes we’ve done but we pulled it off and all enjoyed it and it was wonderful to have such a big audience. We loved playing under our conductor John, who was always brilliantly prepared, always calm and respectful, and who conducted the Tchaikovsky 5th symphony – a massive work- without music!’ Andrea

‘Last night’s concert was great fun to play! John’s expressive enthusiasm, and Michael wowed us both with his brilliance and also his calm persona, giving the impression that the intricate concerto was as easy to play as he made it look. Kate’s beautiful horn solo was exquisite. Can we do it again?!’ Carolyn

‘For me, playing in last night’s concert, the culmination of many weeks of rehearsal, prompted a strong emotional response when performing this wonderful music to a live audience. ’ Julia

From parents of our young players:

‘Being part of the Bedford Symphony Orchestra has been an incredibly important and rewarding experience for [my daughter]. It’s given her the chance to play a challenging and exciting repertoire alongside both talented young players and more experienced musicians, and she always comes away from rehearsals feeling inspired. The standard of playing is exemplary but the atmosphere is warm, supportive, and full of energy. The encouragement and expertise of the section leaders, soloists and conductors has motivated her to push herself and to develop both technically and musically, and it’s also given her a real sense of belonging – it is a strong musical community. She is hoping to study A Level music with the aim of pursuing music at degree or conservatoire level. Her experience with the orchestra has been instrumental in preparing her for that path, both in terms of musical growth and personal confidence. We’re so grateful for the opportunities the Bedford Symphony Orchestra has offered her and for the dedication of those who make it all possible.’ Sallie