2026-27 tickets on sale!

16 September 2026
Sarah Mills
Concerts

Welcome to a new season of concerts with SBMS, as we celebrate our 60th year!

Our new season begins in November with our 60th Anniversary Gala Concert. Join us as we celebrate 60 years of St Botolph’s Music Society with an evening of music by Camille Saint-Saëns. We are delighted to welcome local soloists Melinda Greenfield (violin) and James Greenfield (cello). Philip Elwell, organist at St Botolph’s Church, also joins us for the famous Organ Symphony.

Then, in February 2027, travel to the rugged coasts of Scotland with From Sea to Symphony. Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave Overture brings the drama of the sea to life. Alongside it, enjoy the lively rhythms of Haydn’s Symphony No. 100 and the youthful energy of Schubert’s Symphony No. 3.

In May 2027, we explore music inspired by the theatre and the concert hall in From Stage to Symphony. Mozart’s sparkling The Magic Flute Overture captures the excitement of opera. Meanwhile, Schubert’s Rosamunde Ballet Music offers graceful and lyrical melodies. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 completes the programme with its energy and inventive spirit.

Finally, our season closes in July 2027 with Love, Lyricism & Symphony. Experience an evening filled with passion, romance and beautiful melodies. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture brings Shakespeare’s famous love story to life. His Symphony No. 2 adds warmth and energy, while young soloist Edward Tait performs Finzi’s lyrical Eclogue for piano and orchestra.

Become a Friend of SBMS

Why not enjoy a full season of live orchestral music while supporting SBMS? Our new Friend of SBMS for this season is now on sale.

For just £50, Friends receive free admission to all SBMS concerts during the 2026-27 season. You’ll also have a reserved seat at every concert you attend. The membership runs from September 2026 to July 2027. What’s more, you could save £10 compared with buying adult tickets for our four concerts.

Friends also receive regular email newsletters with exclusive news and behind-the-scenes updates. In addition, you’ll receive a VIP invitation to an SBMS rehearsal. This is a great opportunity to see the orchestra at work and meet our musicians.

Your support makes a real difference. SBMS is a not-for-profit community orchestra, so we rely on ticket sales, donations and the generosity of our Friends. Together, we can help keep live orchestral music thriving in our community.

Sarah Mills

Sarah’s musical journey began at the age of 4, when she picked up her first recorder - an Early Learning Centre green recorder! She took up the violin at 7, followed by the clarinet at 10, partly inspired by her late grandfather, who also played the clarinet. She studied clarinet initially with Susan Boddy before moving to Sue Barber, and later returning to Susan Boddy. From 1991 to 2000, she attended the Saturday morning music school run by Essex Music Service, helping to develop her love of music from an early age.

Sarah first tried out for St Botolph’s Music Society around 2000-02. Although circumstances meant she was only able to attend one rehearsal at the time, she eventually found her way back to the Society, joining the second violin section in September 2016. She became section leader in 2023.

Alongside her musical activities, Sarah studied with the Open University, graduating in 2012 with a BA (hons) in Humanities with German and Music. She now plays an active role both on and off the concert platform as Secretary of the SBMS committee. She also looks after the Society’s website and ticketing, and leads its marketing and communications.

With both a love of performing and a passion for helping the Society thrive, Sarah enjoys being part of the team both on and off the concert platform.

Become a Friend of SBMS

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Sarah Mills

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