Hertfordshire Schools' Symphony Orchestra

Principal Conductor: John Brennan

Required standard: Grade 7
Age range: 13 - 18 years

HSSO meets during the autumn, spring and summer holidays. The courses are usually for 3-4 days. HSSO is an orchestra that has successfully developed an exciting mix of opportunities from ‘traditional’ orchestral courses and concerts through collaborations with other County Groups to creative projects.

Recent repertoire has included Borodin Symphony No. 2, Elgar Cello Concerto, Tchaikovsky Symphony no.2, Mahler Totenfeier, Marquez Danzon No. 2 and a programme of music from film. The orchestra also runs occasional courses as the Hertfordshire Schools’ String Orchestra. The orchestra led the Hertfordshire Sing Up Gala 2010 at the Royal Albert Hall on 7th March 2010 in a performance including specially commissioned works for orchestra and massed choirs with a choir involving over two and a half thousand Hertfordshire school children.

The orchestra works with professional conductors and experienced sectional tutors from within the County teaching staff. Auditionees will usually be senior members of their Area Youth Orchestra, having reached a minimum standard of Grade 7.

All members of HSSO have the opportunity to progress to the County Youth Orchestra. This is normally by further audition.

Contact Information

Forthcoming Events

• Spring Course - 10th-13th April 2012
• Rehearsal: 5th May 2012
• CONCERT: Royal Albert Hall Gala conert 2012 - 13th May 2012
• Summer Course - 28th August-1st September 2012
• CONCERT: 1st September 2012



Auditions

Auditions for the 2011/12 season have already taken place. Details of 2012/13 auditions will be published in due course. 

Benslow Instrument Loan Award

An annual award made to a young string player in Hertfordshire for the loan of an instrument from Benslow for 3 years.  The first year of loan will be  funded by Benslow and the second and third years by the Friends of County Youth Music Groups. For more information click here