Otley Chamber Orchestra
About
History
The Otley Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2009 by a small group of keen local musicians who wanted to provide an opportunity for themselves and others to enjoy orchestral music-making. We have now grown to a group of 40 to 50 committed players who meet fortnightly at the Bridge Church Hall in Cattlemarket Street. The emphasis is on enjoying playing the Classical and early Romantic repertoire, and also some early 20th century works.
Once a year we give a public concert in Otley.
Conductor
Ben Frampton comes from a family of professional orchestral musicians.
As a schoolboy he played double bass in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales under Andrew Litton and participated in one of his masterclasses conducting Fanfare for the Common Man.
At Leeds University, Ben read Maths and Music, and conducted their Wind, Musical Theatre and Pop Orchestras as well as the University Symphony Orchestra. His classical conducting experience includes works by Haydn, Mahler, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, Bizet, Stanford and Vaughan Williams. Earlier this year he was appointed Assistant Conductor to Odaline de la Martinez for the UK premiere of Frida at the 2023 Leeds Opera Festival.
Leader
Chris Hodges joined Otley Chamber Orchestra as Leader in 2011.
He has played the violin in more than 20 orchestras acting as Leader in several of them. He is a professional scientist working for the University of Leeds.
Our next concert will be on 19th May, 2024
Venue and programme to be confirmed.
The Otley Chamber Orchestra adds a classical dimension to the town's well established live music scene.
- Yorkshire Life September 2019
The OCO enters its eleventh season in fine fettle following its well received concert in May 2019.
- Otley Matters December 2019
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are from 7pm - 9pm on Sunday evenings at Bridge Church Hall, Cattle Market Street.
The entrance is via the bright blue doors opposite the North Parade Car Park.
July 2023
9th
September 2023
10th and 24th
October 2023
8th and 22nd
November 2023
5th and 19th
December 2023
3rd
January 2024
14th and 28th
February 2024
11th and 25th
March 2024
10th, 16th and 24th
April 2024
14th and 28th
May 2024
5th, 12th & 19th (concert)
June 2024
9th and 23rd
July 2024
7th
Saturday 16th March ~ Full Day Rehearsal from 10am - 4pm in the Bridge Street Hall.
Our next concert will be on 19th May 2024. Rehearsal dates are to be confirmed.
Free parking is available in the North Parade car park opposite the venue.
Access to the car park is from Cattle Market Street or North Parade.
Repertoire
‘ Bravo Otley Chamber Orchestra - you did yourselves proud. ’
- Jo Richardson, Wharfedale Observer, June 2023
Debussy
Petite Suite
Delibes
Waltz and Mazurka from Coppélia
Sibelius
Karelia Suite (3rd Movt)
Dvořák
Symphony No 6
Humperdinck
Hansel and Gretel Overture
Edward Elgar
Nursery Suite
Sibelius
Finlandia
Haydn
Symphony No 101 The Clock
Britten
Soirée Musicales
Eric Coates
Springtime in Angus
Brahms
Academic Festival Overture
Beethoven
Symphony No 3 in E flat Eroica
Beethoven
Egmont Overture
Brahms
Variations on a Theme of Haydn
Mendelssohn
Symphony No 3 Scottish
Join
Opportunities exist for cellists and a principal trumpet.
Woodwind players who wish to be considered as deputies can join our Waiting List.
We do try to give these players a chance to play when our regular players are away.
If you are interested in joining, please contact the following using the details below.
Strings
Karen Dallas
Woodwind and Brass
Mitzi Whitham