Tallis Fantasia in Reading Abbey Ruins

by Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra in Reading, England, United Kingdom

We did it
On 2nd August 2021 we successfully raised £1,810 ( + est. £342.50 Gift Aid ) with 38 supporters in 57 days

APO and Berkshire Maestros will present performances of Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis in the ruins of Reading Abbey

by Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra in Reading, England, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

If we reach our stretch target, it will enable us to pay for an indoor venue, in case our reserve day (1st August) is also rained off. If we are able to play outside, it will enable us to set up audio equipment to broadcast the performances from the Chapterhouse to other parts of the Abbey Ruins, increasing the number of people who can enjoy the performances. We may even be able to pay the extra money required to record a performance for posterity, meaning that anyone who can't attend can enjoy a performance, too.


  • Having been starved of performance opportunities for the last 18 months due to the pandemic, string players from Reading's Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra will team up with staff and students from Berkshire Maestros, to present several very special performances in the spectacular surroundings of the Abbey Ruins in Reading, on Saturday 31st July, 2021.

The socially-distanced performances will be of Vaughan Williams' magical Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, for double string orchestra. We'll be performing in the Chapterhouse, with its dramatic steep walls providing an ideal acoustic. Members of the public who happen to be passing will be able to take in the beautiful music.

The performances will be free to enjoy, but there are some considerable costs in putting on such a project that need to be met without recourse to any funding other than which is generously donated through this crowdfunder. The costs include hiring the music (which is still in copyright), paying for professional tutors and players, rehearsal venue and practical items such as barriers to ensure Covid compliance (the players will all be appropriately distanced and wearing masks, if necessary).

In the event of bad weather (our instruments really don't like rain!), we've a reserve day lined up on Sunday 1st August, or we may move to an indoor venue.

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