A celebration of an incredible community: Modelski Music turns 25

And what a night it was! Check out our press release following last Saturday's spectular concert and party...

Chester Town Hall came alive with the sound of music on Saturday night, as a unique community came together to celebrate an incredible milestone.

The MM25 musicians in Chester Town Hall with conductor/director Jan Modelski

Featuring over 100 musicians from across its community ensembles, Modelski Music hosted a gala concert with exclusive performances from a specially-formed Concert Orchestra and Big Band; this was followed by a spectacular party, where musicians and audience members alike let their hair down and revelled in their achievements. Amongst the special guests invited to attend were the Lord Mayor of Chester and her Consort, who joined the 200-strong audience in giving a rapturous response to what they had witnessed.

The MM25 Big Band, joined by The Lord Mayor of Chester

Established in 2000 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Modelski Music provides numerous regular opportunities for amateur musicians to come together in a welcoming environment and make music.

Having moved to the Chester area just over 30 years ago, London-born musician Jan Modelski found himself frustrated at the lack of opportunity for good amateur classical musicians in the area. With an increasing reputation as an instrumental tutor, he took the decision to start his own community orchestra with the aim of providing a stress-free environment for players to come and enjoy making music together. At the turn of the Millennium, Jan set the wheels in motion to get his plan off the table and in 2001 The Jan Modelski Community Orchestra had its first rehearsal.

Fast forward 25 years and that ensemble – now known as Chester Community Orchestra, re-named to reflect the community it serves – is now a 60+ member institution, rehearsing every Saturday morning and performing regular concerts to showcase the incredible talents of its members.

Modelski didn’t stop there, though: having gained recognition as a master of uniting amateur musicians and stretching their talent further than they themselves thought possible, other conducting opportunities presented themselves and the Modelski Music portfolio now boasts two community orchestras, two big bands and a pop orchestra; its musicians have graced the stage at some of the region’s finest concert venues, including Chester Cathedral, Storyhouse and the Llangollen International Pavillion. One ensemble now boasts such a reputation on the local live music scene that they are regularly hired to entertain at both public and private engagements.

Jan Modelski

Joining an orchestra or band is not simply about turning up and learning to play some pieces, according to Jan: “Whilst joining in a musical activity is obviously great brain exercise, there are also so many benefits to one’s social, emotional and mental health – especially within a community setting. There are several misconceptions about being a musician: many people think it is an elitist activity, purely accessible to those with a lot of time and money. It has been my aim from the very start to make community music accessible to all regardless of age, ability, work and family commitments… the environment we provide at all of our ensembles is inclusive and welcoming: nobody should feel intimidated by wanting to participate in something so productive and liberating.”

As the community looks forward to the next chapter of music making, Jan Modelski has no intention of slowing things down: “I’ve not even started yet,” he laughs. “We joked at the start of 25th Anniversary rehearsals that learning that programme – especially Bartok’s ‘Concerto for Orchestra’ and ‘Jupiter’ from Holst’s Planets Suite – was our Everest; well, we reached the summit in style. It just goes to show that you can master professional works with an amateur ensemble! All of our orchestras and big bands have their own concerts coming up over the next few months, however there are already plans afoot for even bigger community events over the next couple of years. Watch this space!”

Want to join our wonderful community? Modelski Music welcomes players of all ages and abilities to join its ensembles at any time: check out the Ensembles pages of our website, or send us a message.