The Orchestra - RASPO

RASPO Steel Orchestra was formed in 1997 supported by Arts Council England's New Audiences Programme with instruments and tutors provided by Mangrove Steel Band.

Central Reading Youth Provision offered space for a PanYard and CultureMix Arts coordinated the project led by its Artistic Director Mary Genis. This followed a pilot carnival project co-ordinated by African Caribbean Arts Development at Reading Borough Council offering carnival costume making and steel pan music workshops supported by local communities.

RASPO is now well established as Reading's premier steel orchestra and welcomes all age groups. The name - Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra - commemorates the very first steel band to play in the UK at the 1951 Festival of Britain: TASPO Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra.

In 2007 RASPO achieved its ambition to take part in the UK Panorama Steelband Competition in Hyde Park. Nine of RASPO's best players joined Mangrove to work with Len Boogsie Sharpe on his arrangement of 'Sharing Licks'. More...

The orchestra is made up of mainly young musicians ranging in age from twelve to late teens who regularly play at festivals and carnivals performing live on ITV and BBC television broadcasts to millions of viewers.

Pans on Fire