Thinking of joining us?


HPO is a chamber orchestra of about 32 regular players - strings, woowind, horns, trumpets and timpani. We play a wide repertoire of both familiar and unfamiliar works for the smaller orchestra ranging from the baroque to the modern period. Recent concerts have included works by Rameau, Emilie Mayer, Milhaud, Vorisek and Richard Strauss

We rehearse on Fridays 7.30-9.30 for six weeks leading up to a concert. The rehearsals are held in The Friends' Meeting House and the concerts are usually in St. Mark's church (see Venues) though we occasionally explore other locations in Harrogate and travel to Easingwold.

There are vacancies at present for violins and violas but we are always keen to note interest from all as extra woodwind and brass players are sometimes needed.

Standard - we rehearse intensively up to a concert. Some of the players are instrumental teachers and many belong to other orchestras so their time is precious. Players are expected to master their parts between rehearsals and music may be available beforehand. If you want to try us out there are no auditions, you will gain a fairly shrewd idea of whether you can cope or not, and we will be delighted to see you on a Friday evening for a 'taster' rehearsal - no obligation and a free cup of tea in the break!

If you would like to follow this up, please e-mail HPO Secretary