Triumph may end on flat note for choir and orchestra

On July 9 members of the County Youth Orchestra were for the first time invited to perform at the National Music for Youth Festival at Birmingham Symphony Hall where their playing won a special award for “commitment, style, energy, precision and impact.”

Later in the same festival members of the 80-strong Warwickshire County Choristers - who have performed in the BBC Choir of the Year grand final - were also praised as a “beautifully balanced ensemble” with “real character.”

Both musicians and singers are now waiting to hear whether they will receive invitations to appear at the Royal Albert Hall in London in November.

Except that County Orchestra conductor Colin Touchin is now worried there may be no orchestra in November as all 130 members of the County Music Service were facing redundancy on August 31.

Certainly Mr Touchin’s part-time contract, and that of his orchestral manager Michael Williamson, have not so far been renewed.

Mr Touchin, who was appointed in 2006, said: “Sadly, although we have a week’s tour to Belgium, this appears to be the last time the conductor and orchestra will play together in England.”

County choral director Garry Jones said: “The boys are now waiting with fingers crossed to see if they are selected to sing at the Schools’ Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.”

At the last minute extra money from central government has been allocated to enable its work in schools to continue in September. A county spokeswoman also said that participation activities will be prioritised.