Summer Concerts 2023 Kennet Accordion Orchestra

It was a lovely sunny day on Saturday 3rd June 2023 when the KAO held their Charity Concert in the wonderful St Lawrence's Church in Hungerford. The large, very appreciative audience were treated to a super afternoon of lovely music, both from the Orchestra and their special guest soloist, the brilliant virtuoso accordionist, Volodymyr Vasylenko. He played in both halves of the concert and even joined the Orchestra Playing along with them in the second half. Some of the audience had travelled many miles to attend the concert, a few of thermals fellow accordionists, coming to support and enjoy the afternoon.

The Orchestra were thrilled to be able to raise funds for the 'Building for the Future' at St Lawrence's Church and to make a donation to the Hungerford Hub, which supports the local Library in the town.

Most importantly, to be able to raise funds to help those suffering as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.

Reports from Volodymyr's contact, Olena, a volunteer chaplain from Kharkiv are very emotional as she retells her account of what she sees firsthand. The kind support contributed to the much needed cause and  also brought a glimpse of hope and belief that people in Ukraine are not on their own and that this war is seen as unjust by so many outside of Ukraine. Some of the items need by hospitals catering for wounded military personnel were purchased thanks to the donation raised by the concert. She has sent a huge thank you to all who were involved in the concert, the players ,the audience, the helpers and members of St. Lawrence's Church . Also to all the friends abroad who have helped raise funds and send messages of love to our friends in Ukraine.

Very kindly, many people who attended the concert also donated to the DEC Ukrainian Appeal, which will help in numerous ways.

A couple of weeks after their concert, the KAO played at the lovely Bandstand in the Old Town Gardens in Swindon. There was a large crowd and they were treated to lots of super toe-tapping varied tunes, whilst enjoying the sunshine and lovely surroundings.

More recently the Kennet Accordion Orchestra joined with the Dorset Accordion Orchestra and held a combined concert in Kinson, near Poole in Dorset. A large audience enjoyed the afternoon performance which raised money for Julia's House, a children's hospice located in Dorset. It was a lovely concert, enjoyed by all who were there.  Everyone agreed that two orchestras are better than one !

Here's to the next time !!  

Helen Newton,  KAO. 2023