About Us
About us
Crendon Chamber Orchestra (CCO) is a group of enthusiastic amateur string players. We perform 3 concerts each season, all in the wonderfully picturesque setting of St. Mary's Church in Thame. For each concert we invite a professional string player with many years of experience to be our musical director (conductor) and we have now worked with most of our conductors several times - further details are on our Guest Conductors page. Unlike most amateur orchestra, which meet weekly, we have 4 (quite intense!) rehearsals spread over about a month before each concert.
History
Formed by Angela and Eric Orgill, the Orchestra began in 1980 as a small baroque group. At the 1997 Long Crendon Arts Festival it evolved into Crendon Chamber Orchestra under the conductorship of Anthony Freeth. On the retirement of Anthony in 1999, the Orchestra welcomed Dr. Jonathan Williams as the new conductor and since then St. Mary’s Church in Thame has been its home. The Orchestra now works with musical directors such as Paul Barritt, David Le Page and Robert Salter, guest conductors such as John Lubbock, Robert Max and Roger Coull and a range of soloists.
We aim to present challenging programmes of interest alike to audience and players. The Orchestra welcomes new players. If you are interested in joining the Orchestra, please speak to any member of the orchestra or send us an email.
We hope you enjoy our concerts. If so, please visit our website and add a comment to our Feedback page. We would also be pleased to hear your suggestions for our future programmes.
Supporting Crendon Chamber Orchestra
We are grateful for the support of our several patrons, who include Dr Bridget Hill and Professor Richard Ramsden.
For a minimum donation of £100 per annum, you would receive a complimentary ticket and have the option of a reserved seat for each concert. If you would like to become a patron of the Orchestra please send a message to julianchilvers66@gmail.com.