York Guildhall Orchestra

This is the Web Site of the York Guildhall Orchestra, one of the leading symphony orchestra ensembles in the North of England!

We all greatly enjoy the making of music and take great pleasure in presenting concerts to discerning listeners, be they experienced in concert going, or be they new to orchestral concerts.

The orchestra will be commencing its run of rehearsals in January for the next in it’s season’s run of concerts - on February 4th 2012. 

We had hoped to be able to welcome Hamdan al Shaely, the associate guest conductor of the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, to conduct a couple of works including the UK premier of one of his compositions.   Regrettably however, he is had to withdraw due to orchestral commitments in Oman.  There will be another opportunity for the orchestra to meet him and plns are already being prepared to make this happen.

As a result, our concert programme will change slightly; instead of Hamdan’s work, we hope to play Dvorak’s Scherzo Capriccioso instead - once we make sure the music is available for hire.  we shall still be welcoming up and coming new composer, Joanna Marsh as we shall be performing the World premiere of hew new work, Kuhayla.

This concert will also include Brahms’ first symphony, which was in fact the work that Simon conducted for us in his first concert way, way back in February 1992 - and thus it is the 20th anniversary of that concert.

Tickets are now on sale at the Barbican box office - either call in or go on line.  Further details on our Concerts page.

This web site gives just a flavour of the orchestra, its players and its achievements, which for an amateur music group in the truest sense, is of the highest quality - don’t take our word for it, read some of the reviews!

See a complete history of past concerts.  Although not entirely complete for all concerts, we try to include a word for word copy of the concert reviews - warts and all!

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NEWS

Unfortunately, due to orchestral commitments in Oman, Hamdan al Shaely’s has had to withdraw from the February concert.

The Orchestra enjoyed a tremendously successful John Barry Celebration Concert on October 30th, to wide critical acclaim - and a standing ovation!

Two of the orchestra’s youngest players, Jacob George and Chieko Arai (both violinists), have been invited to play in the National Youth Orchestra.

The dates and full programmes for the Orchestra’s new season have been announced - visit concert season for more information.

York Guildhall Orchestra is announced as Orchestra in Residence at the newly refurbished York Barbican Centre.

Interested in being a Patron or corporate sponsor, please see our Sponsorship section.

Interested in joining the orchestra - visit How To Join