Explore our Orchestras

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: Daisy Hickson & Susannah Knowles

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: Olivia Miller

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: Benjamin Mehta & Daniel Rix

Email: orchestral.society@durham.ac.uk

Palatinate Orchestra

Durham University Palatinate Orchestra is one of Durham's leading orchestral societies, with an exciting yearly programme of concerts, outreach and tours (most recently to Paris, Berlin and Prague). 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 also works with professional conductors, providing their student conductors with incisive coaching.

DUPO encompasses an elite Symphony Orchestra and a newly reformed Palatinate Ensemble - an elite group which focuses on performing a variety of smaller repertoire to a high standard within a relaxed working atmosphere. The ensemble gives musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform both as a conducted chamber ensemble, and in smaller chamber groups (e.g., string quartets, wind and brass quintets, mixed trios). We aim to offer opportunities for these smaller chamber groups to perform at various events both within and outside the university.

President: Katherine Iveson-Vandy

Email: palatinate.orchestra@durham.ac.uk