Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra announces wind and string workshop this April

The Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) returns this April for a special wind and string workshop afternoon.

Conductors Andrew Taylor and Mel Le Breuilly will lead two concurrent sessions for wind and string players, culminating in an informal performance at St Joseph’s College in Reading.

The string workshop features the Concerto for 2 Violins by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most famous works of the Baroque era, known for the intricate, weaving dialogue between the two soloists.

The strings will also explore Irish composer Joan Trimble’s Suite for Strings, a work celebrated for its rhythmic vitality and lyrical charm.

For the wind section, the programme includes Igor Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments.

Written in 1920 and dedicated to the memory of Claude Debussy, this landmark modernist piece is not a traditional symphony but a series of distinct, colourful “episodes” for a large wind ensemble.

They will also premiere a brand-new work by John Gabriel, commissioned specifically for this workshop.

While the wind workshop is by invitation only due to part restrictions, the APO is actively encouraging local string players to register their interest and join the ensemble for the afternoon.

The Aldworth Philharmonic is a non-professional orchestra based in Reading, named after the founder of Reading Blue Coat School, Richard Aldworth.

The orchestra is committed to making classical music accessible, offering a Concert Virgin Scheme that provides free tickets to those who have never heard a live orchestra before.

They have also commissioned more than five hours of new music from young composers over the last two decades, ensuring that contemporary works remain a core part of the Reading musical landscape.

When is the wind and strings workshop day coming to Reading, and how can I get tickets?

The Aldworth Philharmonic wind and strings workshop day will be held at St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5JT on Sunday, 12 April 2026, between 1pm and 5.30pm and includes tea breaks and an informal performance.

String players can register to take part by visiting the official website at https://www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk/next-event/