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Music

London Medical Orchestra

An amateur orchestra with about 35 players, 30 rehearsals a year, and three public concerts to raise money for medical charities.

The objective of the orchestra is to educate the public in the arts and science of music, by the presentation of concerts and other activities. There are usually 30 rehearsals a year and three concerts, most of which are held at St Giles Cripplegate, near the Barbican.

The orchestra is a registered charity. It was formed in 1954, consisting mainly of refugee doctors and dentists from central Europe. It combined with the Three Hospitals Orchestra in 1964.

The majority of the present members of the orchestra are not members of the medical profession, but the orchestra maintains the medical link by using its concerts to raise money for medical charities.

The orchestra's conductor is Michael Axtell, who was principal flute with the ENO for 18 years, and has also played with the Ballet Rambert and the Festival Ballet (now the English National Ballet).

The leader, Tina Boxles, freelances with many orchestra, opera companies and chamber music groups, including Swansea City Opera, Opera Box, Baccanale, the Oberon String Quartet and the London Banqueting Ensemble. She plays for many other orchestras and with "Trilogia", a function trio, and teaches in North London.

The orchestra is thriving with about 35 members and welcomes new members when there are vacancies. Enquiries are particularly welcome from string and brass players. There are no formal auditions.