Otley Chamber Orchestra

About

  • The orchestra during the Spring concert 2019
  • Orchestra members wind section
  • Our wonderful artists have been busy drawing us every rehearsal
  • Orchestra members violin section
  • Orchestra members lead by our guest conductor, Allistair
  • Orchestra members lead by our guest conductor, Allistair
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 professional scientist working for the University of Leeds.

Our next concert is postponed due to the Corona virus

Under its young permanent conductor Chris Pelly the OCO demonstrated what amateur orchestral playing can achieve. An excellent evening of music making from an orchestra going from strength to strength.

– Wharfedale Observer May 2019

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 Otley Courthouse on the following dates:

  • September 2019

    15th and 29th

  • October 2019

    13th and 27th

  • November 2019

    10th and 24th

  • December 2019

    8th

  • January 2020

    12th and 26th

  • February 2020

    2nd, 9th and 23rd

  • March 2020

    Cancelled due to Corona Virus

  • April 2020

    Cancelled due to Corona Virus

  • May 2020

    Cancelled due to Corona Virus

  • June 2020

    14th and 28th

  • July 2020

    12th

Our concert has been postponed due to the Corona Virus. All rehearsals are cancelled till the end of May.

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

Repertoire

Spring Concert 2019

Humperdinck
Hansel and Gretel Overture

Edward Elgar
Nursery Suite

Sibelius
Finlandia

Haydn
Symphony No 101 The Clock

Spring Concert 2018

Britten
Soirée Musicales

Eric Coates
Springtime in Angus

Brahms
Academic Festival Overture

Beethoven
Symphony No 3 in E flat Eroica

Spring Concert 2017

Beethoven
Egmont Overture

Brahms
Variations on a Theme of Haydn

Mendelssohn
Symphony No 3 Scottish

Spring Concert 2016

Mozart
The Impresario Overture

Tchaikovsky
Fantasy Overture
Romeo and Juliet

Bizet
Carmen Suite No 2

Beethoven
Symphony No 5

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