An exciting, innovative new era for Woodford Symphony Orchestra took off to a flying start at Roding Valley High School.

A large, socially-distanced audience braved the rage of Storm Arwen, the threat of the new Omicron variant as well as an evening underground strike to listen to A Homage to English Music under the baton of WSO’s award-winning new conductor Claudio Di Meo.

The concert featured an interpretation of Elgar’s Cello Concerto played by the renowned English cellist Oliver Gledhill.

Petite Suite de Concert by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor concluded the evening, with the large brass section and the four percussionists providing the finale.

WSO, established in 1963, is one of the leading amateur orchestras serving West Essex and East London. Rehearsals are held in Loughton on Thursday evenings.

The orchestra welcomes new string and brass players. Visit WSOrchestra.org.uk or telephone 020 8924 9370.