hcoweb.co.uk :: About Us

Links on this page: Membership and Rehersals | Mailing List | Members | Soloists

The Orchestra
The Havering Concert Orchestra was originally known as the Upminster Philharmonic Orchestra during the 1930s. After the Second World War it became the Hornchurch Orchestra and, following a concert coinciding with the formation of the Greater London Council, the name was finally changed in 1954 to the Havering Concert Orchestra. We are the thriving independent Orchestra serving the London Borough of Havering and its surrounding districts.

Concerts are mainly held at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch three times a year. In the past, the orchestra has performed with local choirs and joined in council initiatives, including the Millennium Concert, a showcase for local talent in July 2000.

The Orchestra aims to present interesting and varied programmes taking regular audience research into account when programme planning. It's broad repertoire takes in all mainstream composers from the baroque era through to the twentieth century and the orchestra also pursues the policy of performing concerts with emerging young talent, including Havering's Young Musician of the Year.

Mailing List
The Havering Concert Orchestra operates a regular mailing list giving details of forthcoming concerts and application forms for tickets and a choice of seat allocation.

If you are interested in being added to the mailing list, joining the orchestra or just giving us your valued opinion either:

Contact the secretary, Karen Williams by email or by telephone on 01708 706795.

Speak to any member of the orchestra during the interval.

Membership and Rehearsals
We are an enthusiastic and friendly group of musicians who look forward to welcoming new players. Whilst no formal auditions are held, a good level of music ability is expected - at least Grade 6 or equivalent standard - and membership is assessed informally on this basis. Orchestral experience is, of course, highly advantageous.

Vacancies currently exist in the string, brass and percussion sections.

Please contact the secretary, Karen Williams, either by email or by telephone on 01708 706795 for further details. Rehersals are held on Wednesday evening during school term time at the main assembly hall of Upminster Junior School, St Mary's Lane, Upminster.

The HCO is affiliated to the Havering Arts Council and is managed by an elected committee. The Orchestra is also a registered charity.

Members of the Orchestra
Details are available on the following active members of the orchestra:

Michael Axtell - Conductor

Francis Hider - Viola

Donna Schooling - Leader
And also on these previous members:

Vic Bradnam - Viola (last performance 10 March 2002)

Robert Ferguson - Conductor (last performance 14 March 1999)

Kate Ghent - Leader (last performance 4 July 1999)

Jenny Robinson - Violin (last performance 10 March 2002)

Full Orchestra line-up from last concert

Soloists
Details are available on the following solists who have played with the orchestra:

Michael Axtell - Flute