It was a performance which struck a chord with both musicians and members of the audience alike when a popular Black Country orchestra played its final concert.

Rapturous applause followed the finale of Walsall’s Junction 10 orchestra at Albrighton Parish Church on Saturday night.

The orchestra, which has been together for nine years and played 48 concerts before this weekend, chose a dramatic performance of Men-delssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and the romantic Italian Symphony as its swansong.

Around 60 members took part in the show on the night and everyone took to the stage for the final piece, Haydn’s Farewell Song.

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It was a performance which struck a chord with both musicians and members of the audience alike when a popular Black Country orchestra played its final concert.

Rapturous applause followed the finale of Walsall’s Junction 10 orchestra at Albrighton Parish Church on Saturday night.

The orchestra, which has been together for nine years and played 48 concerts before this weekend, chose a dramatic performance of Men-delssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and the romantic Italian Symphony as its swansong.

Around 60 members took part in the show on the night and everyone took to the stage for the final piece, Haydn’s Farewell Song.

Members decided to disband after conductor Peter Morris announced he was calling it a day because of increasing work commitments. As a tribute to their founder, all 70 members decided unanimously not to carry on without him.

Mr Morris said: “It was great, a good night and a good audience. Everyone had a lot of fun and the players enjoyed it. The last piece was Haydn’s Farewell so it was quite appropriate and there definitely some tears in the eyes.

“We had a party after and that was a lot of fun. It was quite a sad moment but I can tell you that it will not be the end of the music for any of us.”

Walsall Council’s cabinet member for culture Councillor Louise Harrison described it as a great loss to Walsall but praised the group for their efforts in putting the borough on the map. One of the highlights for the orchestra has been playing at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Mr Morris said he decided to resign to free up more time for him in his other roles.

They include organist at Walsall Town Hall, conductor of Walsall Choral Society, conductor of Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and director of music at St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton.