about us

Hertfordshire Phiharmonia was formed in 1994 by a group of amateur musicians who wished to make music of the highest standard together. Since its foundation, the orchestra has grown to comprise a group of 100+ musicians who perform in the region of 6 concerts annually. The orchestra is run democratically, for example in many sections there are no permanent principals, so anyone of the requisite standard can volunteer, or may be invited to lead their section for one or more concerts a season.

The orchestra has no musical director. Instead, it hires its conductors for only concert at a time, never (or hardly ever) the same conductor twice in the same season. Visit our conductors page to find out more about some of our 'regulars'. The Hertfordshire Philharmonia is proud to be a self-governing, independent orchestra whose concert programme and choice of conductor are debated and decided by the committee and any other interested members.

Likewise, subject to vacancies for that instrument, any player may join whose section colleagues (after hearing him/her) consider him/her to be of a suitable standard. If you are an experienced orchestral player and are interested in playing with us or, if you would like more information about the Hertfordshire Philharmonia, please contact Peter Neville (Secretary) 01438-714394 <peter.neville@stcatz.oxon.org> or Sheila Cox 01727- 857827 <sheilam.cox@virgin.net>

Normally the orchestra rehearses on the five or six Thursday evenings (7.30 - 10.15pm) before each concert. Wind players will have one of these Thursdays off as the strings alone are put through their paces, then vice versa the next Thursday. In common with most orchestras, there is a compulsory rehearsal on the afternoon of the concert, at the concert venue. For details of exactly when and where we rehearse, see our Rehearsal Schedule.

In addition to our own concert season, we are hired by other organisations for a variety of performances.

Because no symphony orchestra can survive solely on the income it receives from ticket sales, we also rely on the generous support of donations from Friends of the Orchestra. Contributions can range from £25 to help print tickets to £1500 to sponsor a soloist. If you would like to become a Friend of the Orchestra or be involved with us in any other way, please contact John Cox on 01727 - 857827.

Hertfordshire Philharmonia is a charity registered in England, no.1116085