York Guildhall Orchestra

This is the Web Site of the York Guildhall Orchestra, probably one of the best amateur/volunteer 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.

Saturday 10th May went with a bang!! Probably one of the biggest group of players we have put together for some time.

Leon McCawley’s rendition of the Schumann was sublime - holding the audience (and players) enthralled. He is a beautiful interpreter of Schumann and it was an honour for us to have him play with the orchestra.

The Mahler was terrific - and terrifying for players and audience! It is a challenging work with its 5 long movements - around 90 minutes playing. but it all went very well with its wonderful intertwined themes and dynamic contrasts. The ears are still ringing!

And so we have a break until our next season starts in October. We will be appearing with the Leeds Festival Chorus in July in Ripon Cathedral.

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, we try to include a word for word copy of the concert reviews - warts and all!

Orchestra Sponsors

 NEWS

Next Season’s dates have now been finalised. Please visit the Future Seasons page for more information.

Our illustrious conductor has had one of his recent CD recordings nominated for a Grammy award!

Simon made his début with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in January 2006 recording Elgar’s Music Makers and Sea Pictures with Sarah Connelly for Naxos. This was released in December 2006 and has been nominated for a Grammy award for 2008.

We will let you know what happens!!

The refurbishment of the Barbican has, for various reasons, regrettably been delayed again. We have been advised that the work will start “soon”, but regrettably this will interfere with our October concert - which will now be back in the Central Hall of York University on the 4th October 2008..

We are advised that the work will be complete in time for our February concert - watch this space!! our October concert.

Our first CD entitled Ring Dance is available for purchase at the very competitive price of £5 plus £1 post and packaging - a bargain for what is a very good CD. 

If you would like a copy, please contact us via our E-mail address.

Interested in joining the orchestra - visit How To Join

The York Guildhall Orchestra is a registered charity (number 700836).  It is affiliated to Making Music, which represents and supports amateur vocal, instrumental and promoting societies throughout the United Kingdom.

The York Guildhall Orchestra is grateful for financial assistance from the City of York Council Leisure Services