Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra’s concert at St Mary Magdalene Church, Cottingham, last weekend has raised £600 towards the project to install a toilet at the Grade 1 listed Parish Church.

The concert featured 18 saxophones playing a wide range of music from light classical to jazz, swing and modern pop tunes, all played on six different types of saxophone, from the tiny sopranino through the more commonly seen soprano, alto and tenor saxophones to the giant bass sax, accompanied by drums and percussion from the orchestra’s musical director, Tony Rifugiato.

As well as the music, the 50-strong audience was treated to fizz and canapes which made the whole evening go with a swing.

Audience member Wendy Harkin said: “What a magical might it was in Cottingham Church with Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra.They played a wonderful selection of tunes from different genres. I found it truly uplifting at times. I’m amazed at the different sounds the different sized saxophones made. Their very competent conductor was also a brilliant drummer, and the canapes were delicious! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put in this event.”

This brings the amount that Phoenix has helped raise for charities and other good causes since they formed in January 2020 to more than £4,800.

The orchestra’s next fundraising concert is a joint performance with Rugby Recorders on 19 July, where we’ll be raising money for Rugby’s Myton Hospice. And on 27 September, we’ll be back performing in the undercroft at the Old Grammar School in Market Harborough, raising money for the town’s Jubilee Foodbank.

For details of our upcoming performances, please see our Events page.