Musical director – John MacKenzie

Rutland Symphonic Winds was formed in September 2021 following the easing of lockdown restrictions. The ensemble rehearses on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 9.45 to 12.00 at the Ashwell Village Hall. Ashwell Road, Oakham LE15 7LW. The ensemble is relatively unique as it meets on the morning so as well as it’s regular members we have associate members who join as for concerts.

Woodwind, brass, double bass, and percussion players are welcome to join the ensemble. Our repertoire is based around the standard orchestral wind and brass sections as well as including saxophones. Thus, repertoire for wind band can be explored as well as chamber music for wind ensemble.

The first Rutland Symphonic Winds concert took place on Saturday 18th December 2021 in St Mary’s Church, Ashwell. Our second concert took place on Saturday 17th December 2022 again in St Mary’s Church, Ashwell. Our third concert took place in Market Overton Village Hall on Thursday 13th December 2023. The programmes for these concerts presented music for the festive season.

On 20th April 2024 in All Saints Church. Oakham we gave a concert with guest soloist, saxophonist Richard Ingham. The programme included music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gordon Jacob, Nigel Wood and the first performances of “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come” by Jeffrey Wilson for soprano saxophone and ensemble and “East Coast Mainline” by James Rae arranged for ensemble by Peter Elcoat and featuring alto saxophone. Of note was a performance of “Miscellanies” for alto saxophone and ensemble by Gordon Jacob.

For further information concerning membership of the ensemble please use the contact page on our website.