Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra

The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra (CWSO)[1] is a 24-member string band from the British Army's Corps of Army Music. It is currently the only independent full-time string band in the British Armed Forces.[2] It is named after Sophie, Countess of Wessex, the daughter-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II and Colonel-in-Chief of CAMUS. It is stationed from the former quarters of the Royal Artillery at Woolwich Barracks.[3]

The orchestra (in the center) performing during the Festival of Remembrance on Remembrance Day.

History

There have been string bands in existence in the British Army since the mid-18th century, usually being sported by units of the Royal Artillery. In 1994, the Royal Artillery Band and Orchestra were absorbed in the newly formed Corps of Army Music. It was announced on 30 July 2013 that the Royal Artillery Orchestra would cease to exist in favour of a forthcoming "State String Orchestra", following the most recent cuts to Army Music.[4] On 3 March 2014, Queen Elizabeth approved the title of the "Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra" for the new military band in honour of the CAMUS Colonel-in-Chief.[5] It was officially created on 1 April 2014. Earlier that February, the Royal Artillery Band, formed a special "Veterans of the Royal Artillery Band" that paraded on General Gordon's Square for the last time in Woolwich.[4] The Countess of Wessex first visited the orchestra in early December.[6] The visit saw the orchestra perform a piece composed by members of the orchestra in her honor.[7]

Duties

It has been invited to perform at events such as investitures, ceremonies at Royal Households, state banquets and dinners. Its task are unique to the group as it is the first dedicated military ensemble designed for non-traditional instruments.[8] It has performed in a combined setting with its counterparts from the Royal Air Force and Royal Marines: the RAF Music Salon Orchestra and the String Orchestra from the Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth.[9]

Former Directors of Music include Major Philip Stredweek and Major David Hammond.[10]

See also

References
  1. "Blog Archive » A Fantastic Day of Discovering Sounds with the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra in Woolwich Barracks London". Nigel Clarke. 2016-12-05. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  2. "Working with the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra and Nigel Clarke | Peter Sheppard Skærved". Peter-sheppard-skaerved.com. 2016-11-22. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  3. "Corps of Army Music | The British Army". Army.mod.uk. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  4. "The British Army - The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra". Army.mod.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  5. "Lunchtime Concert - The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra". classical-music.com. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  6. "Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrives to visit The Countess of Wessex's..." Getty Images.
  7. "Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra". Forces.tv.
  8. United Kingdom (2017-01-20). "Lunchtime Concert - The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra | Classical-Music.com". M.classical-music.com. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  9. "88 and 89 - Combined Armed Forces Orchestra, Guards' Chapel, London 3pm & 7pm". Somme100 FILM. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  10. "David Hammond - National Youth Jazz Orchestra". Nyjo.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
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