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


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 on the following dates (location to be confirmed) :
- Connector.
January 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
February 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
March 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
April 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
May 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
June 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
July 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
August 2021
Cancelled due to Corona Virus
- Connector.
September 2021
12th and 26th
- Connector.
October 2021
10th and 24th
- Connector.
November 2021
14th and 28th
- Connector.
December 2021
12th
Our concert has been postponed due to the Corona Virus. All rehearsals are cancelled till September 2021.
Free parking is available at the car park adjacent to the venue.
Repertoire
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
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.