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Did you know that there is a full-sized symphony orchestra based in Settle?

We have several members from Embsay who already play with us, and we are always looking for new players and, of course, new audiences for our concerts in Skipton and Settle.

About the orchestra
Settle Orchestral Society began life in 1967, when a small group of local musicians who provided the music for Settle Amateur Operatic Society productions decided that they would like to keep playing together. The numbers were further increased thanks to a collaboration with Settle High School.

The orchestra has developed enormously since those early days, to a large extent thanks to Howard Rogerson’s 15-year tenure as conductor.  Howard was particularly keen to provide opportunities for youngsters to experience orchestral playing. 

In 2017 we developed a partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), who recommend each year a conducting student.  This year’s conductor is Maria Camila (“Maca”) Barbosa, a pianist and conductor from Columbia, who has already an impressive CV with conducting appearances in Bogotá, Sao Paulo, Florence and Manchester – and even an earlier cameo appearance with Settle Orchestra!  This partnership gives us access to some very talented instrumental and vocal soloists, another way of encouraging young musicians.

We are fortunate in having two very experienced co-principals – Anne Heaton (violin), who has for many years taught in music centres in the region; and Bob Buller (cello), who will be playing Elgar’s Cello Concerto at our next concert.

We give two concerts each term, one in Settle and one in Skipton.  In November we joined forces with the Langcliffe Singers for Brahms’ wonderfully moving and consoling “German Requiem”.

Concerts
For the concerts in spring and summer 2024 Maca has chosen some very popular and impressive works, including Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Richard Strauss’ first horn concerto, and Beethoven’s seventh symphony.

Why not come along to one of our concerts, in Settle or in Skipton, to enjoy an exhilarating afternoon or evening, support local musicians and help keep music live?  Below are details of our Spring Concert and full details of future concerts and contacts are on our website www.settleorchestra.org.uk, 

Saturday 16 March at 3.30 pm (please note the afternoon concert time)
Christ Church, Skipton
Saturday 23 March at 3.30 pm (please note the afternoon concert time)
Settle Parish Church

Weber
Overture to Der Freischütz
Grieg
Peer Gynt Suite no. 1
Elgar
Cello Concerto

Maria Camila Barbosa Aristizábal: Conductor
Anne Heaton: Leader
Robert Buller: Cello

We are always glad to hear from anyone who might like to join Settle Orchestra, or write music for us.  We particularly welcome young instrumentalists and composers, and currently have vacancies for string and brass players.  Rehearsals take place on Friday evenings in Settle.  We sometimes need additional players for specific concerts and would be happy to hear from any local professionals interested in playing.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Settle Orchestral Society