TVYO news and events
Monday 2nd June 2025
New orchestra launched – applications open!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Thames Vale Intermediate Orchestra (TVIO), which will be welcoming young players who are currently around Grades 3-5+. You can download a promotional flyer here. TVIO will introduce its members to the essential skills needed to play in an orchestra while exploring a wide range of exciting pieces from Baroque to movie music. The new orchestra is led and conducted by Helen Eccleston, known locally for her work with the Music Flood orchestra, Abingdon Music Centre and Larkmead School.
TVIO will meet at Larkmead School, Abingdon on Monday evenings (6.15 pm to 7.45 pm). Applications are now open, and rehearsals will begin in September 2025. If you are interested in joining TVIO, or simply finding out more about us, please refer to the 'Join us' page to find more detailed information about the orchestra. If you have any questions, you are also welcome to contact the Admissions Secretary.
TVYO to perform at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Friday 11th July 2025
We are delighted to announce that TVYO will be performing at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on Friday 11th July. Our combined orchestra will bring together TVYO members and alumni, along with young musicians from Music Flood, an innovative partnership that works with primary schools across Oxfordshire.
We have been invited to perform at the three-day Music for Youth (MFY) National Festival following our hugely successful performance as the 300-strong ‘Mighty Orchestra’ at Oxford Town Hall on 24th April. The orchestra will be opening an afternoon concert titled, ‘MFY Presents: Creative Ensembles’, which showcases unique approaches to music making from around the country.
You can book tickets for this concert, and other MFY Festival events, at National Festival 2025 - Music for Youth or by calling B:Music on 0121 644 6140.
Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Credits: Roger D Kidd / Geograph
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Saturday 22nd March 2025
TVYO Spring concert and combined concert with Music Flood
Our Spring concert on Saturday 22nd March took place at St Andrew's Church, Oxford. The performance comprised four pieces:
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Rossini - William Tell Overture
Tchakovsky - Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Wagner - Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral
Britten - Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
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The full programme is available to download here.
We also joined young musicians from The Music Flood for a special combined concert at Oxford Town Hall on Monday 24th March.
Thursday 30th January 2025
Timothy Softley appointed as TVYO’s new Chairperson
The management committee are very pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Timothy Softley as Chairperson of Thames Vale Youth Orchestra. We are all looking forward to working with Tim and benefitting from his expertise.Tim is a Professor of Chemistry at Birmingham University at present having previously been a Professor at University of Oxford and (simultaneously) a Tutorial Fellow of Merton College for 25 years. He is now an Emeritus Fellow of Merton and continues to live in Oxfordshire. He is an active amateur musician, being a diploma level oboist playing in chamber groups and singing in Oxford Bach Choir since 2002. Tim has experience of youth orchestras through his children who played in the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra for many years. When he was a Sub-Warden of Merton College, he played a vital role in the work to plan and advocate for the launching of the Choral Foundation in 2008. We are sure that Tim's involvement and experience with other charitable organisations (including The Royal Society of London and the Leverhulme Trust), will allow TVYO to go from strength to strength.
