The distinguished musician Mark Foster founded Brecknock Sinfonia in the summer of 1999, when he came to live in the area. Wishing to put on concerts in local venues he invited musical friends to play, and from these small beginnings, the Orchestra emerged and gradually grew and widened the scope of its repertoire, to considerable critical acclaim.
Brecknock Sinfonia’s blend of professional players, instrumental teachers and talented amateurs from across South Wales and the Marches come together for four concerts a year in Brecon Cathedral under the baton of Michael Bell, MBE.
In 2018 the orchestra took the important step of reforming its constitution so that it is now a charitable trust, with trustees who are responsible for the overall direction of the trust. There is an active social and fund-raising group, the Friends of Brecknock Sinfonia who are all members of the trust, which supports the orchestra financially and helps to raise its profile. The organisation of the orchestra is carried out by an orchestral committee comprising players.
Players
Players do not rehearse regularly and there is no membership fee. Each of the four concerts a year has a rehearsal on the day, and one string rehearsal during the week before. There is a list of players who play with us regularly, and from this list, people who are available are invited, along with others where a vacancy exists.
Because there is so little rehearsal time and the concerts are performed at a very high standard, players need to be confident at sight reading and accustomed to performing. If you would like to be considered for a place at one of our concerts please use the email address on the contacts page.
The final decision on players for each concert is made by the Orchestra Committee.
We are very grateful to everybody who has played with us, and hope you would wish to play with us again.