The Friends of Brecknock Sinfonia was established in 2009 initiated by Hilary and Mike Scott Archer. Hilary’s great catering skills in providing fund-raising lunches every Thursday for six years for many U3A members, hosting evening chamber concerts in their house in Gas Lane, Brecon and supporting the provision of refreshments for members after concerts were instrumental in maintaining the orchestra. The friends continue to support the orchestra by raising funds, generating awareness and interest, and providing an active social network for its audiences. Without their support the orchestra would cease to exist.
Next Musical Tea
There are no upcoming events.
Membership
When the Brecknock Sinfonia Trust was established in 2018, all Friends became members of the trust. There is a Friends’ Committee comprising Trustees and others, which organises events.
Membership of the Friends offers reserved seating at concerts, regular newsletters, invitations to recitals and post-concert drinks and snacks with the performers. As members of the Trust, they are invited to the Annual General Meeting. Unless they choose to remain anonymous, all Friends are acknowledged in the concert programmes.
The Membership Application Form and Gift aid declaration can be found here. If you are a UK tax payer you can declare that you wish your subscription to be eligable for Gift Aid in which case the Trust can collect the tax that you have paid on your subscription thereby enhancing its value to the Trust without extra cost to you.
Throughout the year the Friends host informal recitals, often as Musical Teas on a Sunday afternoon, at which members of the orchestra perform before tea and cakes are served. Recent offerings have included cello and harpsichord, a wind quintet, a baroque trio and a family ensemble.
The Friends also raise funds through a “100 Club”, a prize draw held at every concert. For the price of a concert ticket subscribers have a number in each draw.
Download “100 Club” application form here
The funds raised by the Friends enable the orchestra to plan ambitious programmes and maintain the highest musical standards, while their social activities have created a strong support base and close links between the players and their audience. Without the Friends’ contributions the orchestra would cease to exist.
Friends Committee
Chair – Adrian Cook
Secretary – Dorcas Slaney
Membership Secretary – Romilly Cook
Susan Hankey
John Searight