Ten Years of "The Fun Orchestra": NDCO celebrates with Anniversary Concert

The North Downs Community Orchestra (NDCO)—fondly known as "The Fun Orchestra"—celebrated its landmark 10th anniversary on Saturday, 23rd May, with a sensational performance at the Millennium Theatre, Woldingham School. On a beautiful, warm summer’s evening, an enthusiastic audience of over 400 people gathered to mark a decade of music-making that began ten years ago at Godstone Scout Headquarters.

Under the baton of Musical Director Anna Maria Tabor, the orchestra treated listeners to a vibrant, beautifully curated programme reflecting their remarkable journey. The first half of the concert opened with the majestic Four Handel Highlights, followed by It’s About Time. The orchestra's sections then took turns in the spotlight, with a charming feature for the strings performing Dvořák’s Humoresque, followed by Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 highlighting the woodwind, brass, and percussion. The energy soared with a dramatic sweep through The Phantom of the Opera and The Dam Busters March leading into the interval.

The musical journey continued in the second half with classical favourites and cinematic scores, including Mozart’s Amadeus, the nostalgic Moon River, Florence Price's energetic Juba Dance, Delibes' elegant Flower Duet, and Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. The official programme concluded with a high-energy performance of Pirates of the Caribbean, before a jubilant encore of The Dam Busters brought the house down to rapturous applause.

Beyond the music, the afternoon was a poignant celebration of the people who have shaped the orchestra. The NDCO said a fond farewell to its long-standing patron, the celebrated comedian and conductor Rainer Hersch, who is stepping down after ten years of dedicated support. Presented with a parting gift, Rainer gave a moving speech, acknowledging the immense dedication and hard work required to grow the orchestra from its humble beginnings of just 16 players to the thriving, 70-member strong powerhouse it is today. He beautifully captured the spirit of the group by describing the NDCO as a true community, noting that over the past decade, members had gone through all of life's different cycles.

There was also a highly emotional moment when the orchestra recognized co-founder David Ellis, who was watching proudly from the audience. The orchestra publicly thanked him for his vision in starting this amazing initiative a decade ago, prompting a richly deserved round of applause from the entire theatre as David stood to acknowledge the crowd.

Gratitude was also showered upon Concert Manager Emma Scheck, who was presented with flowers in recognition of her tireless work behind the scenes ensuring the flawless execution of the orchestra's events.

"It’s about community and the joy of playing together," founding member Pam Deverill previously noted—a sentiment that was palpable throughout the entire anniversary event.

With glowing feedback from an appreciative audience, the NDCO enters its second decade thrilled to be a part of the local music scene and eager to welcome new chapters. To find out more about upcoming performances or how to join this vibrant, no-audition community group, visit www.thefunorchestra.co.uk