Sunday 3rd July 2005

ECO 35th anniversary concert - St George's Hall, Exeter

When members of the Committee suggested a special concert to celebrate ECO's 35th birthday, they could not have anticipated the wonderful response that was to come from current and former members of the Orchestra together with their families. A great deal of planning and hard work resulted in an absolutely splendid evening of music, reminiscence and renewal of old friendships.

Letters went out to far flung corners of the UK inviting all those who had once been members of ECO to join in the party. Many former players brought their instruments and were observed in the Interval enthusiastically dusting the cobwebs off them ready to join in the last couple of items on the programme on stage! A display of photos and memorabilia told the story of ECO from its humble beginnings back in 1970 to the present day.

Speeches were made, birthday cake was consumed, and throughout the evening the party went with a swing. Good wishes had been received from many people formerly associated with ECO who were unable to be with us on the night. Everyone who wrote to us had very fond memories of ECO and were delighted to know that the Orchestra is still going strong after 35 years. All of the good will, together with an immense amount of effort on the part of everyone involved made it a night to remember! Well done ECO!