AFTER 30 years two conductors are set to retire from the Basingstoke Area Youth Orchestra (BAYO) and Basingstoke Area Youth Wind Orchestra.

John and Diane Fuller will be retiring later this year and will be conducting their final ensembles at The Anvil in Basingstoke on Sunday, May 8.

The pair now hope to have as many ex-members of both orchestras present as possible, either to join in with some of the pieces or just to watch from the audience.

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There will also be an opportunity for a social ‘get-together’ in the afternoon before the concert begins.

BAYO was formally known as The Basingstoke Area Schools Orchestra and John took over the baton in 1994.

Diane founded the Wind Orchestra in 1992, and she has conducted it ever since.

The pair have played in some prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and have taken part in The National Festival of Music For Youth and completed tours including to France, Germany, Spain and Italy .

A spokesperson said: “They have both dedicated so much time and effort promoting youth music in Basingstoke.

“If any ex-members would like to come along to play or watch please contact difuller@btinternet.com or go to the bayo website.

“This concert starts at 6.00pm and is open to the general public and will include all the current BAYO youth ensembles. It should be a night to remember so please come and support us.”

The aim of the ensembles (run by Hampshire County Council - Hampshire Music Service) is to give extra playing and singing opportunities for instrumentalists in schools and sixth form colleges in Basingstoke and surrounding areas in Northern Hampshire.

Ticket prices are £17 (£14 for students) including £3 booking fee.

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The Friends of Basingstoke Area Youth Orchestras and Choirs is a charity which aims to provide ongoing financial, administrative and staffing support to the ensembles in excess of that provided by Hampshire Music Service.

Staffing is provided by volunteers and they have no paid employees.

For more information, visit: Bayo-hampshire.org.uk/news.

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