Testimonials

I'm absolutely buzzing. Yesterday I did something I've been meaning to do for years....
I've only gone and joined an orchestra.
I dusted down my viola which my father had bought for me when I was in my 20s (a long time ago). I hadn't played it in over 20 years or indeed read music in that time too.
After a race to source a music shop selling viola strings, buying a music stand and getting my music list printed off - I spent the afternoon with a 60-strong group of strangers playing Beethoven's 1st Symphony, JC Bach's Sinfonia, Damare's Le Merle Blanc and Bohemian Rhapsody.
It was bloody mighty. All the feelings I had, from I started playing at the age of seven, all came flooding back.
Playing in an orchestra is magical - the tuning, the angst of not being able to keep up, the smiles across the sections, the power of the instruments and the camaraderie of people working hard together to achieve something beautiful.
I was won over as soon as I walked into a parish hall where we met for the rehearsal.
If there are any of my connections in NI who play an instrument, and who yearns to play again, let me know. South Ulster Sinfonia will welcome you with open arms, coffee and freshly baked cakes as they did for me yesterday.
It's official - I'm back at band camp.
My father passed away a number of years ago but I know he'd be over the moon I've dusted down my viola and I'm back in an orchestra where I belong.

- Eleanor McG

I have loved my time with SUS. You are such a high standard musically and I feel that every rehearsal I attended was like a masterclass musically. It has opened up my musical education so much. I have been introduced to composers I had not even heard of. The SUS playlist that Ryan put together on Spotify is my most played music. We have also added it to our Dental Practice playlist! When I retire from full-time work I would love to return, so hopefully it is not a final goodbye. If you ever need a saxophone for any of your pieces, do give me a shout and I'll make a guest appearance!!
Thanks so much Ian for welcoming me to the orchestra, and pass on my thanks to Philip, Brigid and Ryan.

- Gail McC

Dear Roger and the South Ulster Sinfonia,

On behalf of the pupils, staff and Governors, thank you, thank you, thank you! The Orchestral Experience for our pupils and their families was simply fabulous. We are so grateful to each of you for giving up your time so freely for our school and community.

A great number of parents have commented on how impressed they were with the entire performance and how special it was for their children to experience playing with real musicians.

What you are doing with schools each year is wonderful and the children may not fully appreciate yet how significant this opportunity was, but they will one day! You are helping to plant the seeds for future musicians that will hopefully be inspired to join an orchestra or pursue a musical career in their later years.

We could not have been more delighted with the concert and we wish you all every success in your future endeavors with schools and as an orchestra in your own right.

Yours,

David Spratt

- Ballycarrickmaddy PS

16/12/23

Hope Harbour Belfast, Helping the Homeless
Thank you all so very much for such an amazing grand total donated to Hope Harbour along with Lisburn Harmony we were blown away.

- Hope Harbour Belfast

2/12/23

A very big thank you to South Ulster Sinfonia @su_sinfonia for inviting us along to there concert in 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast where they raised funds for Hope Harbour. We raised a fantastic £188.76 we cant thank you all enough for the opportunity to raise some much needed funds

- Hope Harbour Belfast

Dear Supporter,

I am writing today to say thank you so much for raising £700 to support UNICEF's vital work for children.

Your fundraising will go towards funding UNICEF's work to support children affected by conflict and disasters in Ukraine.

Please accept this letter as a receipt of your donation and pass on our acknowledgement and gratitude to all those who contributed.

Yours sincerely,

Vicky Johnson
Head of Supporter Care
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK)

- Vicky Johnson

South Ulster Sinfonia

Dear Supporters,

We would like to thank you for your generous donation of £338 which we received on the 26/06/2015 towards the work of Guide Dogs in Northern Ireland.

Yours sincerely,

Lydia Coates
Mobility Team Support Worker

- Guide Dogs N. Ireland

Dear South Ulster Sinfonia

Thank You for Your Continued Support

£458.29

Total Amount Collected

Tracy Bell
Supporter Care Supervisor
Northern Ireland Hospice

- Northern Ireland Hospice