Bringing smiles in village halls, community centres, hospitals and hospices.

We have already been to village halls and community centres in:​

Bramford, Bury St Edmunds, Debenham, East Bergholt, Exning, Eye, Freckenham, Hadleigh, Harleston, Hawstead, Holbrook, Hoxne, Kesgrave, Needham Market, Rattlesden, Shotley, Somersham, Stoke-by-Nayland, Tattingstone, Trimley and Yoxford.

Free Community Concerts

In association with:

SPO Community Concerts are FREE to audience members.

They are relaxed, friendly, informal, and happen "on your doorstep" in daylight.

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  • Enjoy a visit to your own village or neighbourhood by a group of our top musicians. We visit village halls and community centres across Suffolk.

  • Our musicians introduce and play favourite pieces and chat with you about the music. The concert lasts about an hour.

  • Lunch or tea is provided - all free - often by our very good friends of the Rural Coffee Caravan.

  • It happens in daylight somewhere near you - usually your village hall or community centre.

  • It's informal. There is no need to dress up.  

  • Often, lifts are available. It's fun, friendly, and welcoming.

  • We also visit the hospitals and hospices.

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Helping in the fight against loneliness

The written audience feedback we receive is rich with the most heartwarming - and humbling - words, including:

  • "Loved the music, the fellowship, the food, and the opportunity to get out." (Felixstowe)

  • "The music was sublime" (Needham Market)

  • "Every second of every sound was superb. Visually and audibly brilliant" (Stowmarket)

  • "Joyful and uplifting, and I enjoyed having the musicians 'amongst us'." (Hadleigh)

  • "I was awestruck! Enchanted! (Bramford)

  • "You have cheered and soothed a very troubled soul - thank you." (Needham Market).

  • "The joy it brought me was the highlight of many years. I was uplifted in my spirits. Not bad for a 60-year-old who hates classical music!! Now converted. Thank you a million." (Bramford)

  • "What a wonderful afternoon!! What a privilege to be able to listen to such talented musicians." (Kesgrave)

  • "Wow! Your coming to Holbrook enabled me to get to hear and enjoy your music. At nearly 90 I can't get round to places." (Holbrook)

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Can I arrange a visit near me?

We would love to hear from you with a view to arranging a Community Concert in your neighbourhood. To explore the possibility, please email our Artistic Director Leslie Olive at leslie.olive@suffolkphil.org

I would like to support this work

For more information about supporting this work, please click on the link below to go the relevant SUPPORT page of this website.

Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra is very grateful to the following charitable trusts and Councillors whose funding enables this Community Outreach programme:

 

D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

Ridley Godfrey Foundation

The St Edmunds Trust

Suffolk County Council Locality Funding

West Suffolk Council Locality Funding