Top conductor's date with Bridgnorth orchestra

But the lure of the big cities won't stop James Ross's monthly date with another orchestra – in Bridgnorth.

For Mr Ross is the conductor with the Bridgnorth Sinfonia.

The Sinfonia was formed in 2009 when a number of like-minded musicians living in the town decided to join together to form an orchestra.

Mr Ross, 42, saw the position for a conductor open up three years later and decided to apply, having liked the look of Bridgnorth when he drove through on a visit to see his godchildren.

Since then he has helped the group grow into one of the most established orchestras in Shropshire.

He said: "Many players in the Sinfonia are locally-based musicians who had played together for many years in different forms.

"Eventually they all teamed up to make Bridgnorth's first orchestra.

"As soon as I joined I realised what a serious group of musicians they were.

"We have a group of about 30 to 35 mixed players who can make a really great sound.

"The church where we practice, St Mary's, is actually better for music rather than speaking because of the acoustics."

Mr Ross, who studied and taught at Oxford University, lives in Oxford.

He also teaches at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Chetham's Schools of Music and the Purcell School, a specialist music school for young musicians on the outskirts of London. This week he is flying out to New York for 10 days and he also works regularly in Sri Lanka.

"I have spent most of my time leading big orchestras and I was actually asked in my interview why I wanted to join Bridgnorth," said Mr Ross.

"Working here is just something completely different and Bridgnorth is such a beautiful place.

"I remembered driving through the town years ago when I was travelling to Wales and I was charmed by the whole place.

"Something just urged me to go and apply for the job and as soon as I started working with the Sinfonia it was clear how musically serious they were.

"It's enjoyable and worthwhile to come and make music here because the people really care about what they're doing.

"It's also fantastic for Bridgnorth to have such a group of musicians who can offer people in the town an exciting musical experience.

"I also have godchildren who live in Asterton, near Church Stretton, and Moreton Hall, near Oswestry, so I know the county quite well.

"I have made a number of friends around here over the last two years and the county has inspired some of the greatest pieces of work by English composers.

"There's George Butterworth and Vaughan Williams, to name two."

Bridgnorth Sinfonia is made up of students, professional musicians and people who have retired.

Mr Ross said it had been heartening to see their Bridgnorth audiences respond to their performances so passionately.

"The more musical activity going on in Bridgnorth the better it will be for the town," he said.

"We are offering high quality performances but for people who live locally.

"It's important people take time out to actually listen to the music and the best way to hear it is always live.

"A lot of my work revolves around getting the musicians to listen more closely to the music, and getting them comfortable with what they are performing while responding to those around them at the same time.

"A conductor's job is a combination of coaching, listening carefully to what's being played and guiding the group.

"Nobody plays their best when they are being bossed around but my aim is bringing out the potential they already have."

Mr Ross, who trained as a violinist, conducted his first orchestra aged 18.

He then had to decide which area to focus on – and it was the lure of being central to the whole procedure that eventually helped him to make up his mind.

He added: "I still play in string quartets and take on some occasional commercial work, but I had to make a decision because you cannot put all your time and effort into both.

"Being a conductor you can have your whole life planned three years in advance, which can be strange.

"However, some mornings the phone goes and you will get a call from someone in distress and you can be leading an orchestra later that same day."

Bridgnorth Sinfonia's next performances will be held on June 14, during at Proms in the Park event, in the Castle Grounds.