Rutland Sinfonia is back with its first public concert in nearly two years.

The Oakham-based orchestra is made up of amateurs but the group, founded in 1976 by Barry Collett, insists there is nothing amateur about its performances.

Players come from around Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and of course Rutland, performing on all of the instruments found in a symphony orchestra.

Rutland Symphonia has a regular playing membership of around 60 musicians and typically the Sinfonia performs four concerts each year in either Oakham or Oundle.

Its chair Rachel Rayner said: "Since 2008, the Music Director of the orchestra has been Paul Hilliam, with David Calow as Associate Conductor, and has moved from strength to strength building on the foundations of the early days.

"Now well into its fifth decade, the Rutland Sinfonia retains its unique friendly and collegiate atmosphere and commitment to fine music making. England's smallest county can be proud of possessing such an accomplished musical institution."

Rachel also told Nub News: "After 18 months without music making due to the COVID pandemic, the Sinfonia can't wait to return to playing together and performing for audiences.

"The first concert of the season takes place on Saturday 9th October 2021 at Oakham School Chapel and will be a tribute to Barry Collett who sadly passed away during 2020. His legacy will continue to live on with the adventurous concert programmes and commitment of the conductors, committee and players."

She added: "It is easy to find out about what we are doing by following our Facebook and Twitter feeds, as well as by heading to our website where there is lots of information about the history of the orchestra as well as forthcoming events and ticket information."