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Hertfordshire Guitar Orchestra

The Hertfordshire Guitar Orchestra is a professionally directed orchestra comprised mainly of intermediate to high standard amateurs augmented with professional players.

Founded in 1993 it has rapidly developed into a regularly performing concert orchestra. A musical policy that spans all styles from classical rock to jazz to flamenco to world music and a repertoire that is immediate, often exciting and quite definitely "fun to play and fun to listen to" results in an immensely entertaining concert programme. All music in the repertoire has been arranged or composed specifically and for the exclusive use of the orchestra. This policy and a line up that blends electric and electric bass guitars with classical guitars, has resulted in a unique and suprisingly powerful sound.

Membership is open to all ages but a minimum grade 6 standard of ability is necessary to be able to cope with the demands of the programme as well as competent music reading ability and commitment. Prospective members of a lower standard are welcome to apply but would need to demonstrate a very high level of motivation and commitment to be considered.

Players below grade 6 standard also now have the option to join the orchestra training group, with the choice of working towards the full orchestra, or simply being a member of an ensemble with a less demanding repertoire.

A further development has been the formation of a professional quintet, which performs incidental music for hotels, restaurants, weddings and corporate functions.