British Fretted Orchestra Programme for 2025/26
We are delighted to inform you that the next Project of the British Fretted Orchestra (BFO) is going ahead in 2025/26.
Please Note this project will be different from previous years. After a gap of 8 years the international festival of mandolin and guitar music ‘Eurofest’ will be going ahead in Bruchsal, Germany in May 2026.
In order to maximise participation in the British Fretted Orchestra, Project 9 will consist of two stages.
Please Note It will be a requirement to participate in Stage 1 if you are intending to participate in Stage 2.
Stage 1 Overview
Rehearsal of the southern BFO members (optional)
Date: 16 November 2025
Venue: Fitzrovia Community Centre,
2 Foley Street, London,
W1W 6DL
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Time: Start time: 10.30 for 11.00am Finish: 16:00
Please bring your own lunch
Rehearsal of the northern BFO members (optional)
Date: 23 November 2025
Venue: East Hamilton, Venue to Be Confirmed
Time: Start time: 10 for 10:30am Finish: 15:30
Please bring your own lunch
Full Weekend Rehearsal
Date: 27 February- 1 March 2026
Venue: Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth CV13 0LP
Time: Start time: After Dinner 27th February, Exact Time to Be Confirmed
The Music
We will be looking at :
Simon Meyor; Buttermere Walz
Kevin Poelking; Restless Shadows
David Sutton Anderson; Kemptown Tangos
Other pieces may be added
The Orchestra will once again be conducted by Michael Graham.
If interested in joining the 2025/2026 project please contact Nicki Lewkow.
Fees and Costs
These consist of:
• BFO fees
• Accommodation Costs
BFO Fees
• £70 -members of the British BMG Federation
• £90 -non-members
• £40 for BMG Federation members in Full-time Education
Please Note :- If you are not currently a BMG Federation member and wish to take advantage of the reduced rate, please contact the membership secretary Martyn Workman at bmgfederation@gmail.com
You can go to the Shop to pay for BFO Fees here .Shop.
Accommodation Costs
£243pp for accommodation and all meals for the full weekend.
Day Delegate
If you do not need overnight accommodation the rate is £93pp which includes lunch and tea/coffee breaks on Saturday and Sunday. There is also the option to book an evening meal- charged separately.
You can book accommodation in the .Shop.
Stage 2- UK plus participation in the EUROFEST
Stage 2 will consist of a 2-day meeting in Edinburgh on 25-26 April 2026 and the travel and participation in the Eurofesival Zupfmusik in Bruchsal, Germany from the 14-17th May 2026.
Stage 2 Overview
Weekend Rehearsal and Concert (one overnight)
Date: 25-26 April 2026
Venue: Newbattle Abbey, Newbattle Road, Midlothian EH22 3LL
Home – Newbattle Abbey College
Time: Arrive 13.00 -25 April 202.
Concert Performance: 16.00-26 April 2026.
St Giles, Marchmont,1A Kilgraston Road, EH9 2DW
Marchmont St Giles Parish Church.
Arrive 13.30 at St Giles for joint rehearsal with EMGO
This weekend will consist of a programme of rehearsals concluding with a joint concert with the Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra (EMGO) on Sunday afternoon. The Saturday rehearsal venue will be Newbattle Abbey College. Dinner, bed and breakfast for Saturday and Sunday are available if booked through the BMG. Additional nights bed and breakfast are bookable direct with Newbattle Abbey. You are welcome to make other arrangements if you prefer.
EUROFEST and performance (Festival starting on the 14th)
Date: 13-17th May 2026
Venue:Bürgerzentrum Bruchsal, Am Alten Schloß 22, 76646 Bruchsal
Hotel: Accommodation has been reserved at the Plaza Hotel, Am Mantel 1A D-76646 Bruchsal.
Travel: Because of the variety of starting locations and the different transport needs of our group, participants will have to make their own travel arrangements. There will be opportunities to collaborate on travel plans as the list of participants emerges.
Rehearsal: It is our current plan to have another short rehearsal on either Wednesday (13.05) evening or Thursday (14.05) morning.
The BFO will then go on to represent the UK at the International Eurofestival in Bruchsal, Germany on 14-17 May 2026. Eurofestival plucked music (zupfmusiker.de).
Bruchsalis is well connected by train from major train stations (e.g. Mannheim).
Travel time from both Frankfurt and Stuttgart international airports is about 1 hour 30 min.
Train from London is about 6-7 hours but some people might wish to drive or take a coach from the UK.
Please note that it is the current plan is to meet on Wednesday to allow the orchestra to rehearse either on Wednesday evening or on Thursday morning.
The music selections for the weekend in April will include the music from stage 1 and pieces from past repertoire to make up a concert programme.
Ravel; Pavane pour une infante défunte
Richard Charlton; Dances for the Mandolin and the Moon
together with EMGO
Bizet; Carmen Suite (selection)
Handel: Music from the Royal Fireworks: La Rejouissance
Costs
There are several room options and a payment schedule detailed in the application form below.
Application Form
Please read the application form carefully.
Please tick the choices you would like to make.
The payment for the relevant sections needs to be received by the date stated.
Please return to nicki.lewkow@gmail.com