Community directory

St Albans Symphony Orchestra

This orchestra, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2007, is dedicated to the performance of classical music and the symphonic repertoire. It comprises professional and amateur musicians of a high standard from throughout Hertfordshire and beyond and is developing into one of the UK's leading non-professional ensembles.

Recent concerts have included symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Dvorak, Mahler and Tchaikovsky as well as major repertoire by Elgar, Holst, Janacek, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. The orchestra gives a popular New Year's Day Family Concert in St Albans Abbey and an annual Children’s concert in July. It also attracts a wide range of distinguished soloists including Juliet Allen (piano), Guy Johnston (‘cello), Stephen Stirling (horn) and singers from the National Opera Studio.

A partnership with the City of London Sinfonia, in recent years, with Arts Council funding, has provided professional coaching for the orchestra. It has also supported ‘New Music’ days when works have been rehearsed and performed by composers from Hertfordshire and beyond. The orchestra has a reputation for friendliness and encouragement.

Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays, 7.30pm-10.00pm at Homewood Road United Reformed Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans.

Registered charity number 1038283