XY Strings Community Orchestra

XY Strings community orchestra welcomes string players of all ages to play in a friendly and supportive setting.  Formerly the Guildford YMCA orchestra, XY Strings is grateful for the support of the Guildford Music Society based at the Guildford URC and St Nicolas' Church in Guildford where we rehearse on Tuesdays during term time from 6pm to 7.30pm.  Our music selection includes classical pieces and string arrangements of folk and pop music, from approximately Level 2.

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Latest Events

Here are the highlights from our latest performances and activities.

12 November, 2025

Woking Music Festival

Suggestions are still being taken for pieces to play at the Woking Music Festival which will take place on 12 November, 2025.  Here is the Kingdon Cup which was won last year.

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16 September, 2025

Rehearsals in the New Term

XY Strings rehearsals resume for the new academic year 2025-2026.  Rehearsals will take place at St Nicolas' Church, Bury Road, unless otherwise announced via email.

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5 July, 2025

Summer Concert at Guildford URC

XY Strings' Summer Concert took place at Guildford URC on 5 July, 2025.  The highly successful program included music by Bach and Handel, exciting selections by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and also excellent Stravinsky  and Brahms solos from the leader chair and assistant lead chair.

The retiring collection in aid of Surrey Young Carers raised over £400.00, one of the highest charity donations in our history.

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7 May, 2025

Reigate and Redhill Festival

XY Strings performed at the Reigate and Redhill festival in the group ensemble category. We won a Festival Cup, and were awarded Honours for our performance of the Bach WTC2 Fugue no.7 (arr H Thompson) and Groovy Strings by Tony Osborne.

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FAQ

When are rehearsals?
A:  Tuesday (term time):  6.00pm - 7.30pm

How often do you perform?
A:  We usually perform four times a year.  We have a Christmas Carol concert in December and a Summer Concert in July, both at Guildford URC to raise money for local charities and we also perform in two local festivals as well.

Are beginners welcome?
A:  We recommend that you are able to play to minimum Level 2 standard in order to participate fully.

What is a typical rehearsal like?
A:  A rehearsal usually starts with chairs and stands set up and sheet music set out.  A seating plan is set out on the chairs, so you can find your seat.  After tuning, we usually rehearse two or three pieces before taking a tea and refreshments break and rehearsal resumes approximately 10-15 minutes later.  At the end of the rehearsal, we help put the stands and chairs away.

How do I join?
A:  Please get in touch using the contact form, or send an email.  Contact details are at the bottom of the page.

Bucolic Tea Break

Rehearsals include...                                                                                                                                                 

...time for a tea break.

Performance

Here is a recording of one of the pieces from our Christmas Carol Concert, 2024.

Contact Form

Please get in touch if you have any enquiries about performances, membership or events.

Contacts

Get in touch
  • Phone: +44 7941 644496
  • WhatsApp: +44 7941 644496
  • Email: gillian.lloyd@hotmail.com
  • Facebook:  XY Strings

  • Address:
  • St Nicolas' Church
  • Bury Street, Guildford
  • GU2 4AW

  • Hours:
  • Tuesdays (term time)  6:00PM - 7:30PM

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