Preston Arts Festival Launch with South Ribble Strings and Preston Opera

The South Ribble Strings (SRS) is a unique stringed orchestra made up of violins,violas, cellos and double bass whose musical director is Amanda Denley. The orchestra was founded in 2015, it plays concerts all around the area and they describe themselves as a friendly bunch with a combination of skilled amateur and professional musicians from the local area. Did you know that there are at least 25 different ways you can use a bow? The SRS play some fantastic music written for a string orchestra and have a most impressive list of pieces in their repertoire.

Preston Opera started in 1965 it is now the only amateur company (with professional standards) regularly mounting fully staged productions of grand opera with full orchestral accompaniment in the North West, and one of only a few in the country. At the concert the amazing soloists, well supported by the opera chorus and piano keyboard accompaniment will sing a variety of operatic music under the baton of Helen Harrison. Helen is a professional conductor whom the Opera Magazine 2022 described as “ inspiring compelling performances from the artists she collaborates with….and choirs.”

Many of the pieces to be played and sung are popular and will be well know to the audience. listening to live classical music is enjoyable possessing beauty and emotional depth that resonates across generations and provides a valuable historical record while studies have shown that actively listening can improve memory, reduce stress and boost well being.

Please come along and support this event and see for yourselves.