Dorking Chamber Orchestra

Dorking Chamber Orchestra is a small but vibrant ensemble of talented amateur players, teachers and semi-professionals. We meet in Dorking for four rehearsals prior to our three or four concerts a year, enjoy working with excellent conductors, and working together as a team. We aim to perform to the highest musical standards, creating interesting programmes for our audience, combining classical favorites with lesser known chamber works and 20th century and contemporary pieces.

Dorking Chamber Orchestra celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2018. It was founded by local conductor Colin Gray, who brought together local musicians to present music largely of the 18th & 20th Century. Colin, who had trained in conducting at Reading University, studied Haydn and particularly promoted his earlier symphonies and operas. The orchestra’s inaugural concert took place on 24th April 1988.

We regularly give our members the opportunity to perform as soloists with the orchestra, as well as supporting performers from the local area. Most recently DCO is privileged to be directed by distinguished and experienced conductors from the local area as well as up-and-coming young conductors early in their careers. Over recent years we are proud to have worked with Andrew Morley, Peter Allwood, Peter Fender, Joseph McHardy, and Adrian Bawtree. We were also fortunate in being conducted by the late Keith Willis, who was also Musical Director of the DCO for some years.

Performing mainly in the local Dorking area, we have developed particularly successful relationships with audiences in St Martin's Church, Dorking and St Nicolas Church, Great Bookham. We regularly participate in the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival, and from time to time collaborate with other local musical organisations. We are always interested in hearing about potential collaborative projects with soloists, choral groups, composers or other artists.


Website

Post code
RH4 1LY

Type
Instrumental

Sub-type
Chamber Orchestra

Size
Up to 20

Repertoire
Main: Classical
Other: Modern/contemporary classical
Location