The Big String

Children playing brass instruments

The Big String

The Big String 2024
160 young string players took part in this year's project, which culminated in a performance at Tewkesbury Abbey.

Two violinists at TBS 2022

The Big String is back!

160 string players took part in this year's two-day February half term orchestral project; The Big String, designed for young musicians aged 5 to 18, from pre Grade 1 to post-Grade 8.

Thanks to the generous support of Make Music Gloucestershire a place costs just £45 per student per project for students living in Gloucestershire, and £50 for those living outside the county.

The project took place on 12-13 February 2024 at Dean Close School for the first day, then moving to Tewkesbury Abbey for rehearsals followed by a performance for family and friends.

This year's programme comprised Winchester Tales, composed by Jeff Moore, and Concerto Grosso by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

As last year, the children were supported by tutors from Gloucestershire Academy of Music and Make Music Gloucestershire. GAM’s Artistic Director, Glyn Oxley,  directed the project alongside Jonathan Trim, conductor of Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra.

Day 1:

9.30am – 4pm Rehearsal at Dean Close School (follow signs to the Bacon Theatre)

Day 2:

9.30am Drop off at the Parish Rooms, next to Tewkesbury Abbey.

3pm: Concert at Tewkesbury Abbey

3.45pm Close

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Photo Gallery: TBS 2024

All photographs by Mikal Ludlow.

'The Comet Stone' by Jeff Moore

Commissioned in honour of GAM's 40th anniversary, this performance in Tewkesbury Abbey was the world premiere of Jeff Moore's piece.

'Celtic Fantasia' by Jon Trim

Conducted by the composer, Jon Trim, and performed in Tewkesbury Abbey.