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 – 50 committed players who meet fortnightly at the Otley Courthouse Arts Centre. 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 the Methodist Hall in Boroughgate, Otley.

Conductor
Chris Pelly is a conductor, pianist, trumpeter and singer. He started conducting Otley Chamber Orchestra on an occasional basis in 2014 and became our Musical Director in June 2016.

He studied Music at the University of Leeds and now arranges their International Concert Season. He is the Musical Director of the Leeds Haydn Players and Mirfield Choral Society, and also regularly conducts the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra.
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 scientist working for the University of Leeds.

Our recent concert was on 19th May 2019, 7:30pm

Wesley Hall, Boroughgate, Otley
Humperdinck Hänsel und Gretel Overture
Elgar Nursery Suite
Sibelius Finlandia
Haydn Symphony No. 101 in D Major (Clock)

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are from 7pm – 9pm on Sunday evenings at Otley Courthouse on the following dates:

  • November 2018

    11th and 25th

  • December 2018

    9th

  • January 2019

    13th and 27th

  • February 2019

    10th and 24th

  • March 2019

    10th and 24th

  • April 2019

    14th and 28th

  • May 2019

    12th

  • June 2019

    9th and 23rd

  • July 2019

    14th

  • August 2019

    Break

  • September 2019

    15th and 29th

  • October 2019

    13th and 27th

  • November 2019

    10th and 24th

  • December 2019

    8th

Our concert was on 19th May (7:30pm). We have extra rehearsal on 24th March (10am – 4pm).
Rehearsal on concert day was at Wesley Hall (4pm).

Free parking is available at the car park adjacent to the venue.

Join

There are currently a few vacancies for brass and percussionists and string players (Grade 6 and above). Our woodwind section is currently full but we keep a Waiting List (Grade 8 and above) and do try to give those players a chance when the regular players are away.

If you are interested in joining, please contact our Secretary Helen Thornton using the details below.

otleychamberorchestra@gmail.com

01943 463099