The Mowbray Orchestra was established in 1991 as a flexible group specialising in the performance of rarely heard chamber works written for unusual combinations of instruments. It rapidly became the professional wing of Ripon’s nationally renowned St Cecilia Orchestra. The StCO began life as a group of local players whose task was to accompany Ripon’s Cathedral Choir at their annual St Cecilia’s Day Concert and has since grown into one of the most prestigious community orchestras in the North.
The Mowbray Orchestra is now in great demand, accompanying societies as far afield as Carlisle, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Ulverston. The orchestra draws on a large pool of freelance artists who regularly perform with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Hallé Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Orchestra of Opera North, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra & Royal Northern Sinfonia. In recent years the orchestra has worked with celebrated international singers such as Sir Thomas Allen CBE, Alan Opie, Roderick Williams, Mark Padmore, Anna Stephany, Rachel Nicholls, Linda Richardson, Phillip Smith and Dominic Barberi amongst many others.
The orchestra has also performed for royalty, in European premieres and at festivals across the country but its roots are still firmly within local communities. Its educational outreach programme gives the talented music students of leading UK conservatoires a pathway to perform alongside experienced, professional players.
For further information & bookings, please contact the administrator, Josh Hall (07747 810494), or email office@mowbrayorchestra.co.uk . Website www.mowbrayorchestra.co.uk .
Reviews:
“… the fabulous Mowbray Orchestra.”
“ The Mowbray’s ability to be the perfect accompaniment cushion, never protruding but delicately balanced, is to be commended.”
“The Mowbray Orchestra caught the changes of mood beautifully, leading to moments of real intensity and great power.”
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