They’ve been entertaining classical music fans for the past five decades.

And the Woodford Symphony Orchestra will be going back to basics tonight (Saturday) with a performance of Mozart’s works.

The orchestra, which plays three main concerts a year, will be in the Great Hall at Bancroft’s School, Woodford Green, from 7.30pm.

The evening will kick off with the overture from Idomeneo, followed by the Mozart clarinet concerto, and finishing with the Austrian composer’s Symphony No. 40.

Conductor Philip Norman joined 18 years ago.

He said: “We have a committee who meet specifically to choose the music. We have a classical music repertoire from Haydn through to Brahms and the later 19th century.

“Once you get into the 20th century things get more difficult to play.”

Philip, who taught music at Seven Kings High School until 1986, said he was hoping there would be a full house at Saturday’s concert.

“The interest in this sort of music is quite small, but we’re hoping for a good crowd,” he said.

After his early career in education, Philip, who lives in Forest Gate, became Cantor of Orkdal, in Norway.

Like Bach – who was Cantor of Leipzig – Philip, who is a professional keyboard player, conducted municipal choirs, ensembles and the orchestra, and composed and arranged music.

He returned to London in 1991 and has since been the conductor of a number of choirs and ensembles.

His festival choir has sung in many European countries and he occasionally tours abroad as an accompanist.

Woodford Symphony Orchestra is one of the leading amateur orchestras serving the area, with members from across London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

After forming in 1963, the group has presented public concerts on a regular basis ever since.

Many of the members are professionals, ranging from instrument teachers to professional performers.

The orchestra rehearses every Thursday at Roding Valley High School, in Loughton.

Tickets for Saturday’s event cost £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £3 for under 16s.

Visit pnms.co.uk/wso to book tickets.