History of the North Wiltshire Orchestra
President: Richard Hickox C.B.E.
Vice Presidents: Graham Smallbone, Christopher Finzi
Hon. Vice-President: Hazel Howells
The North Wiltshire Orchestra was founded in 1966 following a meeting called by Maurice Bennett. The early concerts were conducted by Graham Smallbone, then Head of Music at Marlborough College. The first concert was given at Fynamore School, Calne, on December 2nd 1966. For many years the orchestra performed at different venues in Calne, Chippenham, Devizes, Marlborough, Swindon and Westbury, until making St. Andrew's Church, Chippenham its regular concert venue in 1998.
When Graham Smallbone left Marlborough 1971, Christopher Finzi became the orchestra's conductor and continued until 1997. Alan Harwood then took over and conducted the orchestra until 2002; Alan died in 2003. Chris Thompson, Director of Music at Dauntsey’s School, has now become the permanent conductor.
Two of the original members are still players with the orchestra - Rosemary Stanbury, and Michael Oliver. Several other players have been members for 20 years or more. In particular the woodwind and horn sections have members of over 25 years’ standing. Continuity combined with a welcome to new members are hall marks of the orchestra.
The orchestra celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2006 with a commission from Philip Martin and special concerts. We look forward to many more years bringing classical concerts to the Chippenham area.
The Orchestra rehearses on Wednesdays from 7.30 - 9.30 pm at Devizes School.
Players wishing to join should contact Christopher Joseph (Secretary) on 01672 513364 or email secretary@northwiltsorchestra.org.uk for more details.
For information on past concerts, please click this link