A COMMUNITY orchestra based near Chester is looking to recruit new members of all ages and all abilities to help swell its ranks in the run up to concert performances being staged in 2020.

The Jan Modelski Community Orchestra, founded in 2001 by conductor and musical director Jan Modelski is currently based in the village of Barrow and was set up with the aim of enabling musicians of all ages and abilities to participate in a performing amateur orchestra.

Originally from London, Jan has lived in the Chester and North Wales area for more than 20 years and is a full time professional musician with many years’ experience as a conductor and performer.

He is currently founder, conductor and musical director to the Chester Big Band, the Jan Modelski Pop Orchestra, the Jan Modelski Big Band and the Wirral Community Orchestra.

The orchestra already has concerts planned for 2020 including on February 5 at St Mary’s Creative space at 7.30pm and on July 20 at St Mary’s Without the Walls at 7pm, with a performance in December also in the pipeline.

Speaking about the benefits of joining the orchestra, committee member Richard Wright, said: "Jan aims to ensure his rehearsals are relaxed and informal whilst at the same time ensuring that every musician becomes the best they can possibly be. This, in turn, ensures a high level of professionalism and develops the musical skills and experience of everyone taking part."

All three orchestras perform two concerts each year. The Orchestras rehearse on Saturday mornings in term time at Barrow Village Hall with the introductory and intermediate orchestras session starting at 9.15 am and the main orchestra at 11.10 am.

Full details about the Orchestra and how to get involved can be found at http://www.thejanmodelskiorchestra.co.uk/