AN ORCHESTRA which began life more than 17 years ago is preparing to stage its 100th concert. 

The St Helens Sinfonietta, brainchild of former teacher Alan Free, will give its landmark performance at the town hall on February 28.

Alan, 71, was inspired to form the group during a holiday to France in 1997.

He said: “It all started when I saw some posters in a little French village for a small orchestra, and my wife encouraged me to set up something similar at home.

“It is a great achievement for an orchestra that started out from nothing to reach its 100th performance – it’s not just down to me, there are plenty of others involved.”

Alan, of Welbeck Avenue, Newton-le-Willows, has loved music from a young age.

He said: “I come from a musical family and started learning the piano aged seven. As a child, I used to pretend to be a conductor with chopsticks.”

Alan, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, has been heavily involved with several musical groups in St Helens. 

After attending Prescot Grammar School he trained as a primary teacher.

And he was organist at United Reformed Church from 1962 to 75, musical director of Newton-le-Willows Amateur Dramatic and Operatics Society from 1975 to 85, conductor with the New Cross Singers from 1984 to present and he has been the pianist with the Lyndale Singers for 35 years. 

He said: “I took early retirement from teaching when I was 51 but carried on part-time, so I’ve always been busy.”

Alan, who has two daughters and three stepsons, is immensely proud of the Sinfonietta and is looking forward to the milestone concert.

He said: “Our first concert was on October 24, 1997, at St Thomas’ Church in Westfield Street. We had 12 players as well as a singer, a pianist and me conducting.

“It was publicised by word of mouth and we had an audience of 52, which wasn’t bad.

“We’re proud to have lasted so long – many similar groups don’t make it beyond a few years, mainly due to financial difficulties.

“We have many talented players – some are with the Philharmonic in Liverpool or the Halle in Manchester, or have gone on to be.”

He added: “We hope to get a large audience on 28th to help us celebrate our 100th birthday. We have many stalwart fans and are always delighted to attract new ones.”

The programme for the 100th concert includes Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite Number One, the Sibelius Violin Concerto and the best-known of all symphonies, Beethoven’s Fifth.

It will be held on Saturday, February 28 at St Helens Town Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets, costing £15, can be booked by calling 01744 600846.
For information visit sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk.