The Orchestra

Founded in 1953, The Canterbury Orchestra is a thriving group of enthusiastic players who regularly tackle major works from the symphonic repertoire. The orchestra meets to practice on Wednesday evenings during term time at The Old Sessions House, Christ Church University, Longport, Canterbury, CT1 1QU (opposite Barton Court school).

The Canterbury Orchestra performs 3 or 4 concerts each year.

Over the past few years, the orchestra has encouraged good young players to join and the membership currently includes a wide range of ages, from school pupils to seasoned musicians who have been playing with the orchestra for over 30 years: a productive blend of youth and experience. The young players form a mobile population, so it follows that there are occasional vacancies, particularly in the brass and string sections, and talented players are always welcome.

Spotlight

This month we feature André Allavena, who took over leadership of the Orchestra last year. André studied music in his native Monaco, including violin, clarinet, chamber music and orchestra. He led the school orchestra and performed as a soloist with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra; he also toured Europe with the French Youth Orchestra in the summer of 1996, notably performing at Amesterdam Concertgebouw and at the Montreux festival for a Europe-wide broadcast.

The year 2000 saw André move to Cornell University to study for a PhD in Computer Science. Whilst there, he led the Cornell Chamber Orchestra for three yearsand performed in chamber music ensembles. While a post-doctoral at the University of Waterloo (ON, Canada) he was co-leader of the Orchestra. After moving back to Europe, he joined Canterbury Orchestra in 2009 and soon afterwards succeeded Chris Brown as leader.

André works as an IT security expert for a London Company.

Next Concert

Saturday March 27th 2010, 7.30 pm

St Peter's Methodist Church, Canterbury CT1 2BE

Our next concert begins with the overture to Mozart's opera buffa Cosi fan tutte, followed by Max Bruch's Violin Concerto; the violin solo in this hugely popular work will be played by Robin Wilson. Brahms' Serenade No.1 in D, originally written for wind and string octet and later expanded for orchestra completes the programme.  Tickets are £8.50 for adults and only £2.50 for children of school age and students.  They are available on the door, from the Secretary on 01227 751196, and online through WeGotTickets by clicking on the button below.. 

Interested in playing with the Canterbury Orchestra?

Call Nicky Pound, Canterbury Orchestra Manager on 01304 812755 or email us to find out whether we have vacancies.