Wrexham Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is ringing in its 55th anniversary with a special concert highlighting British Isles music.

Originating back in 1969 as 'The Clywedog Ensemble' and created by the late Bryn Williams, a senior lecturer at Cartrefle Teacher Training College, the group initially consisted of only a handful of string players from the area.

Their inaugural concert, conducted by Mr Williams himself, was staged at The Memorial Hall in Wrexham on October 30, 1969.

The concert was deemed a resounding success, paving the way to include woodwind and brass players, giving birth to The Wrexham and District Orchestral Society, better known as the Wrexham Orchestra.

A name change in 1992 resulted in the ensemble we know today as the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra.

While the last 55 years have seen the number of members cross the 60-player mark, the orchestra does not shy away from inviting professional guest conductors and soloists to their performances.

It is this increased membership that has made it possible for the orchestra to undertake increasingly ambitious music programmes.

Since 1997, it has called William Aston Hall its home.

Gaining charitable status in the early 1990s allowed them to raise funds for numerous other charities, creating a positive impact on the local community.

The high points of WSO's recent history include performing alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in a 2004 workshop and making an appearance at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester in 2015.

READ MORE:

The pandemic meant they had to halt their return to the Bridgewater Hall and delay upcoming William Aston Hall concerts.

Exactly 66 weeks after their last rehearsal, the string orchestras managed to meet for a socially distanced session in an attempt to continue their journey.

The WSO's 55th-anniversary celebrations will witness a special concert called "Music From Home".

This event will take place at The William Aston Hall, Wrexham University on Saturday, July 20, at 7.30pm.

 Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's guest conductor Katherine Stonham  (Image: Supplied)

Led by renowned conductor Katherine Stonham, this concert promises to transport audiences across the British Isles via a varied musical program.

Matthew Ellis, the chairman of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra said: "We are delighted to be back at the William Aston Hall for this special concert to mark our 55th anniversary with a celebration of the music of the British Isles under the baton of our guest conductor Katherine Stonham, it promises to be one the highlights of our 2023/24 season of concerts."

Full details about the concert can be found at www.wrexhamorch.co.uk where tickets can also be booked.