APO to return to Reading station for ‘Beethoven on the Bridge’

We’re very excited to be returning to transfer deck at Reading station for the first time since the start of the pandemic, on Saturday 15th July at 2.30pm. Our free event ‘Beethoven on the Bridge’ will see us perform Beethoven’s famous Symphony No.5 alongside three famous marches, which we’ll keep secret til the day!

As with our previous events at the station in 2017 and 2019, as well as informal performances of all the works, we’ll be offering anyone who’s present the chance to conduct the orchestra, so if you fancy laying down the beat for that famous ‘fate knocking at the door’ theme or marching on to glory, simply join the queue for a quick go on the orchestra.

If you’re interested in having a slightly longer turn on the podium, please do get in touch with Michael, our chair, as we’re looking for donations to cover the cost of the event and enable us to continue to commission new music for future concerts, as well as support our educational work and ability to present relaxed concerts. If you’re able to help us with a significant donation, you or a nominated person can have a longer go at conducting and even have an online conducting lesson with Andrew, our music director, to prepare you.

A big thank you to Great Western Railway and Network Rail for agreeing to host us at the station again. Despite the various noises of the station environment, the transfer deck has a great acoustic and the view out over the Thames Valley towards Caversham makes a great backdrop! As with previous events, the friendly staff on the gateline will let anyone through to enjoy the event (but obviously please don’t board a train without a valid ticket!)