Orchestra North-East

ACTIVITIESIn 2009 Orchestra North East emerged from the long-established regional orchestra, Durham Sinfonia, which was founded in the 1960s by a group of musicians led by a prominent violinist and teacher, the late Derek Downes.
Orchestra North East is a registered charity, number 1081465 and the name reflects the regional membership of the Orchestra and we hope its regional reputation.
The Orchestra is both delighted and proud that in 2015 the distinguished conductor John Wilson accepted our invitation to become the Orchestra’s Honorary President.
WEBSITEwww.orchestranortheast.org.uk
MEMBERSHIPLargely amateur in membership, the players are drawn from across the North East, from North Yorkshire, Teesside, Durham to Northumberland, and they usually come together for three major concerts per year, usually in Durham, each preceded by a week of intensive rehearsal.
The Cathedral and the Gala Theatre are our usual venues, although we have played in Newcastle and the Sage Gateshead on several occasions.
Our independent status enables the Orchestra to invite professional conductors, soloists and leaders to play and thereby sustain its musical profile. In addition, Orchestra North East is happy to work with local choral societies.
We have had invaluable support in recent years from commercial sponsors, and from generous private individuals, but being self-sustaining, Orchestra North East is very reliant on its audiences.
Last update: 10 Mar 2024