Shropshire Chamber Orchestra
Supporting the Team Cleo Fund
About the orchestra
Shropshire Chamber Orchestra is a group of enthusiastic musicians who came together to perform muic mainly from the Classical symphonic repertoire and Baroque concertos. Part of our programme of concerts is to help raise money for charities.The orchestra grew out of a collaboration between Shifnal Chorale and the Telford Orchestra. In March 2009 the orchestra formed under the umbrella of Julia Johnson’s ensemble Pro Musica and presented its first full concert in October 2009 at Holy Trinity, Much Wenlock. It was at this stage we felt the orchestra needed its own identity.The name reflects our location and soloists are usually regular players with the orchestra.We have performed for a number of charities including Hope House, Air Ambulance and Medic Malawi.
Our people
Making music happen
​
Bedwyn Phillips
Conductor
Born in the picturesque area of Snowdonia, Bedwyn Lloyd Phillips is a young and energised conductor currently based in North Wales.
​
During his studies at the University of Birmingham, Bedwyn worked with both the University Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras under the tutorage of Daniele Rosina, after being chosen to major in Orchestral Conducting during his Final Year. Bedwyn also enjoyed working with the University's large Wind Orchestra, String Orchestra, and many chamber ensembles, on works by composers ranging from Corelli, to Stravinsky, and Grace Williams. While at the University, Bedwyn explored his great interest in the Austro-German tradition, which included detailed study of Gustav Mahler and the symphonic tradition.
​
Bedwyn also pursues his passion for Welsh music, focusing on, and advocating the inimitable works of Grace Williams. He is driven to bring the works of this pillar of orchestral music back to the concert hall after years of unjust neglect.
He has enjoyed working with many orchestras, including the Wrexham Symphony, Chester Philharmonic, and Blackburn Symphony Orchestras. He has also founded an orchestra in North Wales, and co-founded and conducts the Orchestra of the New Age, based in Guildford, which brings young musicians from all over the country to explore larger-scale works.
PAUL KELLY
Conductor
Paul Kelly started his conducting career studying with George Hurst at Canford Summer School and later became a private pupil of Ezra Rachlin, a former assistant to Fritz Reiner. He is Musical Director of Shifnal Chorale, Much Wenlock Male Voice Choir and Church Stretton Choral Society.
CLAIRE TOCKNELL
Leader
Claire was first taught to play the violin by her father and went to study both violin and piano s a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal Academy of Music. She also leads the Ludlow Orchestra, plays in the Eroica Camerata and gives regular chamber music recitals.
Musicians
Cello
Fiona Rattray
Chris Long
Bassoon
"It's a priviledge to work with such great musicians and I love the baroque and classical repertoire they play." says Chris. He joined the orchestra shortly after moving to Shropshire in 2014. He also plays with Shrewsbury and Wrexham Symphony Orchestras. Highlights with Shropshire Chamber Orchestra include Vivaldi's bassoon concerto in e minor and Telemann's concerto for two oboes and trumpet.