Colne Valley Youth Orchestra

The Colne Valley Youth Orchestra was founded in 1980, and has been playing and performing in North Essex since that date, soon to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Along with its younger sister orchestra, the Colne Valley Training Orchestra, it provides a non-auditioning classical music provider for young people aged 8 - 13 (CVTO) and 10 - 19 (CVYO). Established by Nigel Hildreth, who continues to both conduct and run the administrative side of the orchestra, its patron is Sir Malcolm Arnold.

Conductors

Nigel Hildreth, the Musical Director, is also Head of Media and Performing Arts at the Colchester Sixth Form College. He founded the CVYO orchestra, and is helped by volunteers to organise the orchestra. He studied at Sheffield University, and has been teaching music in Essex for 25 years. He is known also for his compositions, including three symphonies, two concertos, as well as numerous items of chamber music, and he has also arranged many pieces for performance by the CVYO. In 1996 he was presented with the 'Arts For All' award for his services to Colchester.

Related Topics:
Nigel Hildreth - Colchester Sixth Form College - Sheffield University - 1996 - Colchester

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Matthew Andrews joined the orchestra in 2004. He is now the Assistant Musical Director, and joins the orchestra in rehearsals, residentials, concerts and tours.

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