Winchester Chamber Orchestra - About The Orchestra Final rehearsal for our Summer Concert, June 2007

About the Orchestra

History

Originally founded as an evening class, and playing simplified arrangements of popular works, the orchestra developed under Robin Browning's musical directorship over the past decade into a competent amateur orchestra which draws adult members of all ages from across Hampshire playing full works. In September 2005, Robin Browning was succeded as musical director by Gregg Hollister, who soon established himself as a popular and enthusiastic tutor, with a growing track record of successful public concerts.

Repertoire

Sarah Noble The orchestra, Leader Sarah Noble, (left), has a clear identity as a chamber orchestra, with limited wind and brass forces. Although we are unlikely to tackle works such as Bruckner and Mahler symphonies, this does not restrict our repertoire solely to the classical and early romantic eras of Mozart, Haydn and their contemporaries. We have perfomed confidently Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann and Schubert symphonies in recent years; and we have also performed Pierne's harp concerto and 20th century works such as Malcolm Arnold's Trumpet concerto, Richard Strauss' No.1 horn concerto and Ravels "Tizgane".
With Larkhill Choral Society, we gave two much acclaimed performances of John Rutter's splendid Magnificat, which has a technically brilliant, challenging, and very modern full orchestral accompaniment, and a soprano solo.

Gregg continued to develop the orchestra's skills with this type of steady innovation, and build a solid base of repertoire that can be recalled and repeated as occasion demands. After a renowned performance in January 2008 that included German's triumphant Welsh Rhapsody, and Brahms' 2nd Symphony, Gregg married the orchestra's Leader, Yvette Chalkley, announced his resignatation, and has carried her off back to his native Wales. A very happy end to his highly succesful three year appointment. He is succeeded by Craig Lawton.

Rev.Date: 10/04/08