Oadby and Wigston Civic Orchestra - 0793 908 2489

Oadby & Wigston Civic Orchestra play classical music concerts in south Leicester, usually at Wigston College (formerly Guthlaxton College). Conductor: Keith Smith.

Our history:
In 1965, following a chance conversation between Councillor Don Mobbs and Keith Smith, Wigston UDC decided to sponsor an orchestral concert in February 1966. This took place in Bushloe School where good staging was available for an orchestra. A small string ensemble, made up of the finest string players in Leicester and Leicestershire, was assembled by Keith Smith. The leader was Lambert Wilson, principal violin tutor for Leicestershire County School of Music. The event was a huge success and quickly led to a regular series of concerts in Wigston. Woodwind and brass players were soon added to the string section which immediately widened the possible repertoire.

At times concerts were held in other venues; these included St Thomas’ Church and Abington and Guthlaxton School halls. The concert series soon involved the inclusion of a wide variety of soloists who were engaged to perform with the orchestra; some were local musicians while others were already nationally established. However, an ongoing policy to invite promising young performers from leading conservatoires, at the outset of their careers, has continued to the present day. Indeed, a number of our young soloists have gone on to gain an international reputation. They have included the soprano Sally Matthews and cellist David Cohen.

In the early 1970s, when Oadby and Wigston Councils combined to become a single administrative area, financial support continued for the orchestra up until the 1990s, but then general financial austerity forced cuts in grants for the arts. For over thirty years the administration of the Civic Orchestra was superbly managed by David England, without whose support and expertise the ensemble could not have survived difficult financial times. There have been others who have helped keep the Civic Orchestra going through both good and difficult times, but special recognition and thanks must be given to the wonderful orchestral musicians who have played over the years. Without their ability and extraordinary support we could not have an orchestra.

In most seasons the orchestra plays a concert in an alternative venue in the Borough, though it is firmly based in Wigston College (formerly Guthlaxton College). Here tiered staging and seating have made this a desirable performing venue. Musically, it has always been an important feature of the Civic Orchestra’s programmes to perform a really wide-ranging choice of music. Each season the repertoire includes established masterpieces, new works and popular programmes such as Viennese and ‘Prom’ concerts. It is hoped to continue performing a similarly eclectic repertoire in future events.