AN orchestra which has been playing for nearly seven decades will play its final note this month.

The next concert by the Salon Orchestra, originally known as the Salon Arts Orchestra, will be its last.

The orchestra was founded in 1950 by Bridget Monahan, whose motto was ‘take music out to those who would not otherwise seek it.’

She died in 2009 but her legacy lived on through the orchestra - although in recent years it has struggled to replace members.

Geoffrey Simms, orchestra violinist, the treasurer and co-ordinator, said: "We were a small group of players many of whom had taken up playing relatively late in life, and others who had not experienced ensemble playing, if at all, since their school days.

"It is probably fair to say that, by the nature of things, an orchestra based entirely on voluntary services cannot survive indefinitely. It has surely been a rewarding experience for the several hundred musicians who have played under the banner of the Salon Arts."

The free, final concert is being held from 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 27 at Bromyard Road Methodist Church. The concert includes a programme featuring Bach’s Symphony in Bb, Mozart’s Minuet from Symphony 40 and Elgar’s Chanson de Matin and Pomp and Circumstance.

Although there is no admission charge, there is a suggested £1 donation, with money raised going to the Musicians Benevolent Fund.