The concert took place at Springwood High School, with orchestra members including many alumni of our school, along with some current students.

“WNWO is principally adults, many of whom are ex-Springwood, but we currently have a membership in excess of 50, and, with some students who are involved, an age range of 16 to a couple of members in their seventies,” explained our Director of Music, Robin Norman, who founded the community orchestra with just 19 musicians two years ago.

“WNWO was initially formed as a ‘one-off’ for a performance in 2024, but, following several requests, we made it a regular feature in our calendar,” he said.

“We come together every month for high-quality music-making, and the feedback is fantastic, with everyone having an absolute ball.”

An audience of around 120 attended the concert, where the orchestra also performed a number of other classical pieces, including Beethoven’s ‘Egmont Overture’.

“The next concert is ‘Magic of the Musicals’, featuring pieces from Miss Saigon, Lion King, and Mamma Mia, amongst many others,” continued Mr Norman, who organises the events, as well as conducting the orchestra. “This is due to take place at 2.30pm on Sunday 12 July in the Drama Studio at Springwood.”

A member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, our school is known for its strong musical offering and close links with the community.

“Here at Springwood we do consider ourselves to be part of our wider, local community, and we feel that we want to aid that community as much as possible,” added Mr Norman.

“By organising and offering a community concert band, we are giving the opportunity for all musicians in the West Norfolk area to come together to make music, and for wider audiences to hear high-quality music being performed.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate music than to share it with others.”