THE Isle of Man Wind Orchestra (IoMWO) has announced plans to celebrate its 15th season.
These include a wind and brass weekend, the world premiere of a specially written composition and a series of concerts around the Island.
The orchestra was formed in 1997 and is the the brainchild of Chris Weldon, Henry Teare and Paul Dunderdale.
The first rehearsal was attended by 16 players and the band grew quickly.
IoMWO has an average attendance of 35 and there are more than 40 players when all are back from university.
Members range in age from their teens to their late 80s.
Paul, a retired teacher, a clarinet player and a composer, is the orchestra's musical director and leads rehearsals and composes pieces for the orchestra to perform.
To celebrate its 15th birthday this year, the orchestra has commissioned Colin Touchin, a leading international composer and conductor, to compose a piece on Manx themes.
Colin has worked with members of the orchestra to produce a contemporary and easy to listen to composition that contains at least five recognisable Manx melodies.
The members would like to acknowledge the support of the Manx Heritage Foundation which has allowed this project to go ahead.
Orchestra members performed the piece for the first time at their rehearsal on January 5.
IoMWO chairman Michael Morrison said: "So far the members have identified two of the Manx themes.
"The fanfare at the start uses the theme of 'Kelly from the Isle of Man' and there are also references to Mylecharaine’s March, which provides the melody to Arrane Ashoonagh dy Vannin, the Manx National Anthem."
Further work on the piece will form the centerpiece for the Wind and Brass Weekend at St John's School from February 17 to 19, which will be led by Colin.
The weekend will also see the orchestra tackle other music including the First Suite in Eb for Military Band, Gustav Holst Op 28, the theme from Family Guy and a compilation of Frank Sinatra hits.
Michael said: "As usual, the annual event will be open to all musicians playing wind, brass and percussion instruments regardless of age and experience, even if they don't usually play with the IoMWO.
"The workshop will include the now-traditional social evening on Saturday, February 18 and a workshop concert at St John's School at 2.30pm on Sunday, February 19 and we will publish more details shortly."
On the afternoon of Sunday, April 25, IoMWO will perform a 15th anniversary concert.
"Planning for the event is ongoing and an announcement will be made soon and we hope to have another visiting composer," Michael added.
He said: "One of the aims of the 15th anniversary season is to encourage people who have previously played with or supported the orchestra to come along and join us again.
"We are particularly interested in hearing from ex-members who wish to return or who just wish to find out how we are getting on and have some stories to tell about the early years of the orchestra."
The community orchestra rehearses at Marown Primary School at 7.45pm on Thursdays during term-time.
For further information or to take part in any of the events contact Michael on 437751, email winds@wm.im or send a message via the website, www.iomwo.com
