New conductor for Preseli Orchestra

 The Preseli Orchestra started rehearsals for the Christmas term recently under the new leadership of conductor Leon Downey.

 Leon moved to the Pembrokeshire in 1977 after a distinguished musical career including 14 years with the famous Hallé Orchestra where he was appointed co-principal viola.

 Leon and his wife Joan have become well known in the county as the founders of Llangloffan Farmhouse Cheese and now Leon is hoping to draw on his musical experience to take the West Wales Amateur Orchestra to further success. 

“My aim is bring the best out of players and to take the orchestra forward,” said Leon.

The orchestra is already benefiting from Leon’s patience and experience and would like to attract more players to their ranks. 

 In the last few years they have given a series of very successful concerts in Newport, Fishguard, Cardigan and Haverfordwest and would like to take their music to a wider audience.