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Langtree Sinfonia is an amateur orchestra which meets at Langtree School, Woodcote, on the borders of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, originally formed in 1971. Many members have either started playing as adults, or have taken up their instruments again, having learned when younger. The orchestra has about 30 registered members, although extra players are co-opted when needed for bigger works. Our Director of Music is Kevin Withell. Concerts are given twice a year – a classical programme in November and a more ambitious romantic event in May or June. Concerts are held at churches in various locations including Wallingford, Henley, Abingdon and Caversham.
In addition a full day’s workshop/play day is held in February or March. We welcome players outside of the orchestra to join in. At the end of the autumn and summer terms we usually hold a social event for families and Friends of the Orchestra, which includes a short performance.
If you play an orchestral instrument and would be interested in joining the Orchestra, or would like further information, please click here for details. Auditions are not required.
Conductor
Kevin Withell
Kevin read music at University of Southampton, excelling in conducting as well as completing a dissertation on music composed during the Holocaust. He remained in Southampton to complete a Masters in orchestral conducting. During his studies at University of Southampton, Kevin was awarded the prestigious positions of assistant conductor of both Southampton University Symphony Orchestra and Southampton University Sinfonietta.
As well as Langtree Sinfonia, Kevin is musical director of Southampton Youth Orchestra, Southampton University Concert Band and Southampton University String Orchestra, and is in regular demand to conduct rehearsals and sectionals with City of Southampton Orchestra, Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra, Charity Symphony Orchestra and London Gay Symphony Orchestra, as well performing in the brass or percussion sections of several orchestras around the Hampshire and Sussex area.
Leader
Ellie Morgan
Growing up, Ellie played with the Cambridgeshire County Youth Orchestra and Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Orchestra. She went on to study BA music and Business Management at the University of Southampton, where she graduated with a first class honours degree. During this time she played for Southampton University Symphony Orchestra and Southampton University Sinfonietta as well as working as the Assistant Musical Director for the Southampton University String Orchestra. Ellie took an 18 month sabbatical in Italy, where in addition to volunteering and learning Italian, she was able to play violin in community projects. Upon returning to England, she played with the Blackburn Symphony Orchestra, and auditioned and performed with a Christian orchestra to perform the ‘Lamb of God’ Oratoria at The Bridgwater Hall, Manchester. She’s played in a variety of settings including country shows, musicals and weddings. Ellie now works professionally as a project coordinator for hymn translation projects.