XY Strings Community Orchestra

XY Strings community orchestra welcomes string players of all ages to play in a friendly and supportive setting.  Formerly the Guildford YMCA orchestra, XY Strings is grateful for the support of the Guildford Music Society based at the Guildford URC and St Nicolas' Church in Guildford where we rehearse on Tuesdays during term time from 6pm to 7.30pm.  Our music selection includes classical pieces and string arrangements of folk and pop music, from approximately Level 2.

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Latest Events

Here are the highlights from our latest performances and activities.

9 December, 2025

XY Strings Carol Evening at the Christmas Tree Festival, Guildford URC 

XY Strings' traditional annual Christmas Carol Concert will take place at Guildford United Reform Church amidst the trees of the Christmas Tree Festival on 9 December.  There will be sing along carols and refreshments available and a collection will be taken for Guildford Street Angels and Cherry Trees.

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2 December, 2025

Christmas Carol Concert at St Nicolas Church, Guildford

We will be performing a Christmas Carol Concert at St Nicolas Church, Bury Road, Guildford on Tuesday, 2 December.  This will include the Pastorale from Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, Santa Claus and Rudolph (arr. P Martin) as well as traditional Christmas carols.

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12 November, 2025

Woking Music Festival

XY Strings performed to high acclaim at the Woking Music Festival on 12 November.  The pieces were 'Gangnam Style' by Gun Hung Yoo and Jai Sang Park, arranged by R Longfield, and 'Finale from the Liverpool Suite' by Paul McCartney and Carl Davis.  The adjudicator described 'an impressive string sound...with good intonation across the ensemble' and XY Strings was awarded Honours.

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5 July, 2025

Summer Concert at Guildford URC

XY Strings' Summer Concert took place at Guildford URC on 5 July, 2025.  The highly successful program included music by Bach and Handel, exciting selections by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and also excellent Stravinsky  and Brahms solos from the leader chair and assistant lead chair.

The retiring collection in aid of Surrey Young Carers raised over £400.00, one of the highest charity donations in our history.

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FAQ

When are rehearsals?
A:  Tuesday (term time):  6.00pm - 7.30pm

How often do you perform?
A:  We usually perform four times a year.  We have a Christmas Carol concert in December and a Summer Concert in July, both at Guildford URC to raise money for local charities and we also perform in two local festivals as well.

Are beginners welcome?
A:  We recommend that you are able to play to minimum Level 2 standard in order to participate fully.

What is a typical rehearsal like?
A:  A rehearsal usually starts with chairs and stands set up and sheet music set out.  A seating plan is set out on the chairs, so you can find your seat.  After tuning, we usually rehearse two or three pieces before taking a tea and refreshments break and rehearsal resumes approximately 10-15 minutes later.  At the end of the rehearsal, we help put the stands and chairs away.

How do I join?
A:  Please get in touch using the contact form, or send an email.  Contact details are at the bottom of the page.

Bucolic Tea Break

Rehearsals include...                                                                                                                                                 

...time for a tea break.

Performance

Here is a recording of one of the pieces from our Christmas Carol Concert, 2024.

Contact Form

Please get in touch if you have any enquiries about performances, membership or events.

Contacts

Get in touch
  • Phone: +44 7941 644496
  • WhatsApp: +44 7941 644496
  • Email: gillian.lloyd@hotmail.com
  • Facebook:  XY Strings

  • Address:
  • St Nicolas' Church
  • Bury Street, Guildford
  • GU2 4AW

  • Hours:
  • Tuesdays (term time)  6:00PM - 7:30PM

© Copyright 2025 XY Strings - All Rights Reserved

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