The People's Orchestra (TPO) is a community-based non-profit orchestra based in West Bromwich Town Hall, England.
Established in 2012 by Sarah Marshall, The People's Orchestra plays a variety of concerts, predominantly in Birmingham and West Bromwich, featuring music from film, TV and other not so traditional sources such as video games. TPO is a 'diverse mix' of talented musicians of all ages who come together as a full orchestra or in smaller groups to create and perform across the Midlands. The only requirement to become part of the orchestra is that players have to have played towards Grade 7, and must have good sight-reading of music. As an independent charity it has also developed a volunteer programme called TPO Bridge, which helps local unemployed people back into work.
Subsidiary groups
The People's Orchestra has gone on to develop The Rusty Players Orchestra, for musicians looking to resume playing their instruments, and a virtual orchestral performance created from membership instrument recordings called Sofa Symphonies, which launched in 2020. There are two branches of this orchestra, in South Birmingham and Carmarthen, with a third due to start in Barry in September 2022.
In 2019 TPO also launched The People's Show Choir, encompassing a number of choirs performing film, show and light popular music across The Midlands. Choir locations include Birmingham, West Bromwich, Oswestry, Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Moseley and Cheltenham.
The People's Orchestra launched the Sing From Your Sofa project, encouraging choir members to continue rehearsing and creating virtual performances form home.
The Peoples Orchestra has also started The People's Big Band. This is a group dedicated to reinventing the modern with the crisp jazzy sounds of the 40s. So far, the only branch for this group is in Birmingham.
TPO also runs a Sing Together Workshop programme, encouraging care and residential home members and staff to have fun with singing.
Concert History
2012-2015
The People's Orchestra's first concert, titled 'trailers' was held at the Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham on 4 November 2012. The concert was compered by Les Ross and contained film music and light popular music. Their anniversary concert was performed on 24 March 2013 at The Public in West Bromwich, where the programme included both classical and modern-day film music.
The People's Orchestra produced their 'Sporting Classics' concert on 8 June 2013 at The Public, performing music including The Chain by Fleetwood Mac, Ravel's Bolero and Pop looks Bach.<ref>The People's Orchestra www.livebrum.co.uk', accessed 3 December 2021</ref> Their War themed concert was held on 21 September 2013 and included music from Dambusters, Saving Private Ryan, Star Wars and The Great Escape. The first TPO Christmas Concerts – Christmas Music by Candlelight and The Snowman, were held at the Malvern Forum Theatre on 8 December 2013, where the orchestra performed both Christmas Carols and The Snowman live to film.
In 2014, The People's Orchestra began their concert series with 'The Love Concert', held in Lichfield Guild Hall and including music from Dirty Dancing, Beauty and the Beast, Moulin Rouge and West Side Story. This was followed by a 2nd Birthday Concert on 6 April 2014 at West Bromwich Town Hall.The People’s Orchestra – 2nd Birthday www.scvo.info On 22 July 2014, The People's Orchestra launched their film greats concert series in the Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham. Conducted by Christopher Evans, music included highlights from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Warhorse. This concert also launched the world premier of ‘Flight of the Pegasus’, a new composition created by professional composer John Koutselinis.Film Greats by The People's Orchestra www.weekendnotes.co.uk, accessed 5 December 2021
The People's Orchestra also featured on stage at the Pride of Birmingham Awards, held at Birmingham Town Hall in 2014.
In October 2014 at West Bromwich Town Hall, The People's Orchestra produced their 'Fright Night Halloween Special concert', conducted by John Brennan. The repertoire included Corpse Bride and Phantom of the Opera....The West Midlands Pro-Am Orchestra, The People’s Orchestra, will be presenting 'Fright Night'... www.livebrum.co.uk, accessed 5 December 2021 Something Magical: Far Far Away saw The People's Orchestra's next instalment of Christmas music in December 2014. With an animation theme, music included highlights from Frozen, Alice in Wonderland, Brave and The Little Mermaid. (archived 5 August 2020)