The MCO had a dramatic start to the year especially for our new players, having to find our way through the Old Hospital with torches as the main door had not been unlocked!

A very warm welcome to our four recently new players Andrew on Bass Clarinet, Stuart on flute, Mary on violin and Vivienne on cello. We promise an easier entrance in future and hope you will enjoy playing with us.

The MCO are grateful to Gerry for donating several sets of music for us to play this coming season.

We are all looking forward to a great year of music in 2020.

Anne excelled this year decorating our MCO Christmas tree for the annual event at the Methodist Church in aid of Save the Children.

Friday 8th November was a big night for our conductor Emily who conducted her own composition ‘Fragments’ to a full audience at the Methodist Church in Minehead. It was the 2nd performance of the work, first performed on the 100 year anniversary of the ending of the 1st world War.  Seven members of our orchestra joined the impressive local choir and professionals from across the country including Irish baritone Jamie Rock.

It was a wonderful experience for all who took part in this commemorative work which depicts memories and horrors of both German and British soldiers, their wives, mothers and most poignant the view of the conscientious objectors in ‘The Knock on the Door’.

We chose one of the few wet afternoons to play in Blenheim Gardens!  While we were happy in the cosy bandstand our audience had a mixture of rain, wind and sunshine, as you can see.

Our program for the afternoon was varied ranging from L’Arlesienne Suite by Bizet to South Pacific and Abba.  The tea van parked next to the bandstand was greatly appreciated in the interval.  Many thanks to the tea lady!  I hope the audience enjoyed themselves as much as the MCO!

Our concert will be on this afternoon even though the weather looks very wild!  The Met Office  forecast is good for 2pm to 7pm, so come along and enjoy our music.