Solent Concert Orchestra press reports
NEWS RELEASE 02 March 2026
Charity Milestone for Solent Concert Orchestra Ahead of ‘Sounds of Spring’
The Solent Concert Orchestra has celebrated a £2,500 fundraising milestone with a cake at rehearsal, proudly decorated with the figure “£2500”. Audrey Cousins, the orchestra’s much-loved most senior member, had the honour of cutting the cake at Bramshaw Village Hall, surrounded by fellow musicians.
The orchestra has donated over £2,500 from its own funds, alongside thousands raised through audience collections at its concerts. Last year’s summer concert alone helped raise £850 for Honeypot, a charity supporting young carers. Recent beneficiaries also include Young Families Matter, Milford-on-Sea Primary School, Wessex Cancer Trust, Dentaid, Minstead Trust, Honeypot and Forest Basics.
“We are thrilled to see the orchestra making such a difference for these charities,” said Tim Leighton, chair of the orchestra. “It’s wonderful to combine our love of music with supporting causes that mean so much to our community.”
The orchestra now looks ahead to its next concert, “Sounds of Spring”, conducted by Simon Wilkins, on 14 March 2026 at Hanger Farm Arts Centre. The programme features Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Delius’s On Hearing the First Cuckoo of Spring, Bruch’s Swedish Dances, Holst’s Somerset Rhapsody, Mendelssohn’s Overture for Winds in C major, and Zipoli’s Adagio for Oboe, Cello and Organ.
The orchestra thanks Hanger Farm Arts Centre for their kind hospitality and the opportunity to support the Minstead Trust, which helps people with learning disabilities achieve greater independence and live happier lives.
Tickets: www.bit.ly/solent-spring-2026
New Milton Advertiser & Lymington Times, 25 March 2024
Solent Concert Orchestra played to an almost full house Hangar Farm Arts Centre in Totton
Read article (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk)
Hampshire Chronicle, 30th July 2021
Solent Concert Orchestra summer concert
Read article (www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk)
Our latest concert report can be viewed here (author Howard Moore): latest concert report.