Havant Chamber Orchestra

Noticeboard posts:
10.07.24 Preview: Havant Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Evening Concert, bursary auditions and plans for the next season
08.09.23 Profile: James Thomas, conductor
10.08.23 Havant Orchestras Bursary Conductor 2023-2024: Enyi Okpara
28.06.22 Havant Symphony Orchestra at 60: interviews with some of its longest-standing members
25.04.18 Profile: Stella Scott

Havant Chamber Orchestra was formed by Peter Craddock in 1965 by the amalgamation of several chamber music ensembles. The HCO and its larger sister orchestra Havant Symphony Orchestra (HSO) form the Havant Orchestras, which are administered by Havant and District Orchestral Society.

The current conductor and musical director of HCO is Robin Browning, and the orchestra is made up of a mix of professional and amateur players. Membership is by invitation.

All three HCO concerts in the season currently take place at Holy Trinity Church, West Street, Fareham with a guest leader.

One of the most important features of the HCO concerts is the wide range of music performed, such as a ‘discovered’ work – either an unknown by a well-known composer, a should-be-known by a little-known composer, or even, occasionally, a commissioned work.  HCO also welcomes soloists whether they are an international star, a promising newcomer, a talented member of the orchestra or a well-known local professional.

Where possible in support of the educational role of the orchestral society, Havant Chamber Orchestra tries to ensure that each main evening concert is usually preceded by a pre-concert talk at 6.30pm on a subject related to the concert.

To encourage younger audiences, concert tickets for children still at school (up to sixth form or equivalent) cost only £1, and students get a 50% discount.