Next Concert 7.30pm Saturday 5th July
Amateur London Orchestra
We are a friendly and social amateur London orchestra near the West End, NW1.
In essence, we play to a high standard with the help of excellent professionals, specifically Liz Worth (conductor), Hannah Garty (orchestra leader), Dominic Wolfendale (principal violist) and guest soloists.
For this purpose, we were formed by Abigail Dance and Kwesi Edman in 2008 with the goal of continuing to develop adult amateur players’ technique and instil the finer points of playing in an ensemble.
Above all, we have an inclusive, participatory culture. That is to say the orchestra is run by members for the benefit and, most importantly, the enjoyment of members.
What We Do
We are an amateur London orchestra that holds ten rehearsals per term, including at least two sectionals, culminating in three concerts a year, one per term. Specifically, the rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings at St Mary Magdalene Church, NW1 3PH, near Regent’s Park. Rehearsals start at 7.30pm and end at 9.30pm, at which point we usually socialise in one of the local pubs.
The repertoire we tackle is diverse but always exciting and enjoyable – from baroque to 20th century, but mostly focussing on classical and romantic periods.
See previous concerts for the record of past concerts and pieces we have played.
Next Concert
The next concert will be at 7:30pm on Saturday 5th July 2025 at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, NW1 3PT.
Programme:
If you would like to be notified of upcoming concerts, please register your interest here
Get Involved
Do you play an instrument? Moreover, are you seeking to join an amateur London orchestra?
If so, we may be just what you are looking for and we are recruiting now! To that end, all membership enquiries are welcome and we are actively seeking string (all sections) and brass players (a horn, three trombones and a tuba).
We don’t hold auditions but invite new players to join us for an informal trial period to see if the orchestra is a match for you.
Contact us for more information.
If you don’t play an instrument, but love live music, why not help us continue to share the joy of music with our audiences by giving us your support? Please enquire how to be come a Friend of CPO by emailing info@camdenphilharmonia.org.uk.
Next Play Day
Play days are a great opportunity to meet the orchestra and experience what it would be like to be a regular member or else just an opportunity to play the specific pieces programmed in an ensemble.
After the success of our last play day in 2024 we will be scheduling another one in the autumn of 2026.
Please email info@camdenphilharmonia.org.uk to register your interest and / or book a place.
Testimonials:
“Thank you – it was a joy! … I’d love to come along if there’s another string day.”
“I had such fun on Saturday. Great music and lovely to meet you all. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.”
“Please do let me know of any more string or orchestra days – I would love to come and I will bring some viola friends.”