I was looking for a high standard, community-based orchestra for the chance to meet new people and share my love of music. The People's Orchestra definitely fit the bill! I have made friends for life, had the opportunity to play fantastic music, and have been part of unique and exciting projects.

The People's Orchestra epitomises genuine equality of opportunity, whereby musicians from every socio-economic and ethnic background, from teens to seniors, come together to share the joy of music making with one another, and with their ever-increasing audiences in live performance. Already the orchestra has created wide ranging opportunities for its members, and the logical next step is that it should foster new composers, who in developing their skills and experience will create new repertoire which is unique to the most unique aggregation. In my four decades as a professional musician I have rarely worked in such a rewarding environment. Every town and city should have a People's Orchestra.

Incredible day, thank you all. My son Mark sat with the flute section. We both had an incredible time with you all. Special thanks goes to the percussion section who allowed Mark to play with you all. Special memories made today, I can't thank you enough.