Classical Ensemble
The Classical Ensemble performs a range of repertoire from the baroque and classical periods as an intimate chamber orchestra. They focus on repertoire written prior to 1832, and enjoy exploring diverse repertoire from this time period. Recent concerts included works by JS Bach, Fanny Mendelssohn and Franz Schubert, alongside many lesser known works.
Whilst they have a focus on historically informed performance, DUCE often plays student compositions and works inspired by the baroque and classical musical periods. Alongside this, DUCE provides opportunities to instrumental and vocal soloists to perform concertos or song with orchestra.
Presidents: Josh Blythin-Evans & Arielle Loewinger
Email: classical.ensemble@durham.ac.uk
Hill Orchestra
Hill Orchestra is Durham’s only non auditioned student orchestra, performing a range of music from film scores to classical hits including Sibelius’ Finlandia. Every year, DUHO performs multiple times in Durham’s historic venues such as the Castle Great Hall, St Oswald’s Church and more.
DUHO has an exceptional social scene throughout the year, with imaginative and fun socials taking place multiple times a term. As a social and non auditioned orchestra, Hill Orchestra is a truly inclusive orchestra at Durham University.
President: Lowri Carter
Email: hill.orchestra@durham.ac.uk
Orchestral Society
Formed in 1965, Durham University Orchestral Society is one of the oldest musical societies at Durham. It supports both a symphony and chamber orchestra, and has a busy programme of concerts and events each academic year. It regularly performs in Durham Cathedral, the Gala Theatre, and has recently performed in the North East’s purpose built concert hall, Sage Gateshead. DUOS also collaborates with other societies including Durham University Choral Society, recently performing Vaughan Willliams’ A Sea Symphony and Mozart’s Requiem.
Both orchestras are led by student conductors, who gain valuable experience and podium time. Past conductors have gone onto further study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the Royal College of Music, and have been Britten Pears Young Artists. DUOS also offers an exciting programme of masterclasses with leading conductors, and professional orchestral musicians from the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
President: Matilda Prescott-Jones
Email: orchestral.society@durham.ac.uk
Palatinate Orchestra
Durham University Palatinate Orchestra is one of Durham’s leading orchestras, with an exciting yearly programme of concerts, outreach and tours. Emphasising high quality music, the orchestra has a fantastic social scene and regularly engages in outreach opportunities for local schools as well as performances in HMP Durham. The orchestra works with professional conductors, as well as providing their student conductors with incisive coaching.
Recent concerts include Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Dvorak 9 in Durham Cathedral and Beethoven and Strauss in Durham Town Hall. DUPO regularly tours to Europe with successful tours to Berlin and Paris being social and musical highlights.
President: Brooke Christiansen
Email: palatinate.orchestra@durham.ac.uk