History


Our History

The orchestra started in 1995 as an evening class at Newbury College, under the name Newbury College Late Starters’ Orchestra, conducted by Patsy Moore and meeting at Denefield School.

From humble beginnings with only 14 members, it has grown so that numbers are now normally in the thirties. The orchestra became independent in 2003 under the name “Do All Come And Play Orchestra” (Da Capo) and settled at Padworth Village Hall.

Throughout, Patsy has been the driving force and inspiration behind Da Capo, latterly handing over to her husband Ken and daughter Jennifer.

In 2018, with the unstinting help of the Moore family, the orchestra established a committee to control its affairs, with one of its first functions being to engage a new musical director.

From September 2018, our musical director is the experienced and highly capable Laura Stead, who brings to the role wide-ranging musical experience, including working with the Coldstream Guards.