Cast your mind back to 1999: a year in which we saw the introduction of the Euro; Bill Clinton breathed a sigh of relief after his impeachment trial ended in acquittal; the space shuttle Discovery became the first to dock with the International Space Station; and a collective feeling of panic swept over the nations of the world as they prepared for the dastardly 'Millennium Bug.'
Meanwhile, in our small corner of the world, a young musician from Reading quietly took up his first teaching job: a role as a peripatetic music tutor at West Cheshire College. Having moved 'up north' for university a couple of years prior, this talented violinist quickly decided that perhaps a career in engineering wasn't his calling, and that working in music would bring much greater happiness. Whilst at university, there had been plenty of opportunity to establish himself as a performer with bands on the local pub scene but a love of making classical music had been left unfulfilled; a search ensued for a good community orchestra with whom he could enjoy making music in a pressure-free environment alongside his now very busy teaching job. The search proved fruitless, but sparked a lightbulb moment: if he couldn't find a suitable orchestra to play with, why not start one himself?
Fast forward 25 years, and Jan Modelski's decision to act upon that moment of ingenuity has certainly proved to be a great one. The community orchestra idea was a great success and Chester Community Orchestra - established in 2001 as The Jan Modelski Community Orchestra - is now a 60+ member strong ensemble with such a reputation for attracting good amateur players that they are in danger of outgrowing their rehearsal venue. Having also started a successful private teaching operation from his own studio in Barrow, Jan's increasing reputation as a musical director led him to several other appointments and his Modelski Music portfolio now boasts two community orchestras, two big bands and a pop orchestra - giving almost 200 musicians a regular opportunity to make great music with others.
When asked how he would like to celebrate his phenomenal achievements, Jan - true to form - insisted that any celebration would not be complete without the involvement of his musical community. So, on 29th March 2025, we bring together over 100 musicians from across the Modelski Music ensembles to put on a very special concert at Chester Town Hall - featuring a giant concert orchestra and huge big band - followed by a spectacular party, where musicians and audience members alike can let their hair down and revel in their achievements. We cannot wait!
Want to help us celebrate? Tickets are now on sale, until 5th March; snap yours up while you can!
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