"A Brilliant & Joyful Day" ~ Jupiter & Harry Potter from Scratch

UHO ventured for the first time to organising a whole day rehearsal followed by a concert yesterday, January 10th 2026. What a thrilling day it turned out to be. We took with a significant degree of uncertainty as to whether it would be a success.

Orchestral rehearsal of musicians ken to enjoy playing music together!

Yet to our great delight we had a remarkable response to our invitation to join us for the day. We had the most friendly and enthusiastic musicians come and explore the major works of Gustav Holst and John Williams.

Players joined us, despite the recent terrible storms and heavy snow, from as far as Wigan and South Birmingham.

The goal for the day was exploration of larger and more challenging scores we would not be able to master to include in a normal programme..

We started the day by exploring Holst's Jupiter from The planets Suite, first as an orchestra and then in section rehearsals. In the afternoon we tackled the 'Complete Harry Potter Suite'. This proved to be more complex that anticipated. The enthusiasm of all present saw our performances transition from hesitancy to an exuberant and rich sound we were thrilled by.

The day was just topped of with a concert infused with the joy of the day. Family and friends were treated to a performance that was said to be an experience that "The Halle Orchestra would have been proud of"!!