IT is time for a break for Otley Chamber Orchestra .

Sunday, July 14 was the final rehearsal of the season for the orchestra, as its members prepared for the summer after a very demanding but thoroughly enjoyable year.

It is now ten years since the founding of the Orchestra by four local amateur musicians and as a concert earlier in May demonstrated, it has gone from strength to strength with its current membership of 50 regular players.

Whilst playing music of various levels of complexity and periods from the Baroque to the present, the emphasis is always on enjoying playing music together. This variety and complexity was clearly demonstrated at the final session in which the music of Sibelius, Brahms and Beethoven presented the evening’s challenge.

As a spin off from the orchestra, a smaller group has started visiting local primary schools, at their request in the hope of encouraging the musicians of the future. As Helen Thornton, the Orchestra’s secretary and administrator says: “This is one key area of the orchestra’s activity which will bring it even closer into the Otley community.”

The next season for the orchestra begins on September 8th at 7pm in its regular rehearsal space at Otley Courthouse. As well as preparing for the next concert later in the year, members will have the chance to rehearse a new repertoire of music. If you are interested in finding out more about the orchestra and perhaps joining, check out the website at www.otleychamberorchestra.com or contact Helen Thornton at otleyhelen@gmail.com