We are delighted to inform you that the next Project of the British Fretted Orchestra (BFO) is going ahead in 2026/2027.

The programme will consist of two meetings:
Participants are encouraged to attend one or other of the regional rehearsals and required to attend the whole of the weekend in February, due to take place in Leeds, and the rehearsal and performance on Friday 2nd April 2024, due to take place as part of the BMG Federation Festival in Cambridge.

There is no entry requirement to take part, but participants are expected to have prepared the music in advance.

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Rehearsals

Rehearsal of the southern BFO members (optional)

Date: 15th November 2026
Venue: Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street, London, W1W 6DL
Time: Start time: 10.30am Finish: 16:30
Please bring your own lunch

At the BMG Federation Festival

Afternoon Rehearsal
Date: 2nd April 2027
Venue: Churchill College, Cambridge. CB3 0DS- Room to be confirmed
Time: 2 -4.30pm

Performance
Date: 2nd April 2027
Venue: Woolfson Hall, Churchill College, Cambridge,
Time: 7.30pm

The Music

We will be looking at:

• Gustav Holst: Brook Green Suite

• Christopher Grafschmidt: Bitter Suite (one movement only)

• Edvard Grieg: Solveig’s Song, Anitra’s Dance

• Henry Purcell: Chaconne

• Federico Moreno-Torroba: Estampas- (extracts)

• Additional pieces may be added to compliment the programme

Music will be distributed on receipt of application forms

Rehearsal of the northern BFO members (optional)

Date: 22nd November 2026
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: 12-14th February 2027
Venue: Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2BX.
Time: Start time: Friday Dinner -exact time to be confirmed.

The Orchestra will be conducted by Roland Gallery

Whilst studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Roland won the prestigious Julian Bream Prize in a competition that was adjudicated by the world-renowned guitarist himself. After his studies, Roland quickly established himself as a notable player in guitar ensemble and chamber music, leading the English Guitar Quartet and the Segovia Trio. His latest guitar group was established in 2001; the Modern Guitar Trio which exclusively performs the works of its three players. Apart from giving recitals all over Britain and several countries in Europe, Roland has toured Canada, Australia, Israel, and Venezuela. He has appeared on radio and TV and recorded Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked regularly with the Royal Ballet and appeared on stage with them at the Royal Opera House, on tour and on film.

Roland took up the mandolin to supplement his guitar playing activities. Apart from working on classical mandolin, he was also drawn to Celtic music and bluegrass and was inspired by the playing of Chris Thile and Mark O’Connor. At Morley College, London, and for the British BMG Federation he ran several courses for mandolin, guitar and the banjo. He has arranged music for mandolin duet and mandolin orchestra and composed pieces for the solo mandolin. He recently played the mandolin on an album by the German singer-songwriter and producer Amin Jan Sayed.

Fees and Costs

These consist of:

• BFO fees

• BFO Accommodation or attendance fees for Hinsley Hall

BFO Fees

Total BFO fees:

• £70 -members of the British BMG Federation

• £110 -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 join the BMG by contacting the membership secretary.

Hinsley Hall

Hinsley Hall has a selection of single and shared rooms, all are en-suite. Please indicate whether you are booking a single or a double room and whether you are willing to share. Hinsley Hall should have enough rooms to accommodate us but there will be other guests in attendance. Please book early if you want to be sure of reserving a room.

Accommodation

£264pp for accommodation and all meals for the full weekend.

Day Delegate

If you do not need overnight accommodation the rate is £112pp which includes lunch and tea/coffee breaks. There is also the option to book an evening meal- charged separately.