Harrogate Symphony Orchestra
Harrogate Symphony Orchestra
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ABOUT HARROGATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Harrogate Symphony Orchestra
Welcome to the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra (HSO) – one of the UK’s leading and most dynamic amateur orchestras, proudly making music in the heart of North Yorkshire since 1931.
We perform a rich variety of orchestral music to large and enthusiastic audiences, combining popular favourites with exciting lesser-known works. Every performance is a celebration of musical excellence, community spirit, and the joy of live music.
A Tradition of Excellence
In 2022, we were thrilled to return with a full season of concerts, including our spectacular “Around the World” summer event and a fun-filled “Family Fun Time” concert, designed to inspire a new generation of music lovers.
Our home stage is in Harrogate, but rehearsals take place in Knaresborough (see our Join Us page for details). Our members travel from across the region – from Knaresborough, Wetherby, Leeds, Bingley, Ripon, York, Otley, Keighley, Pontefract, Garforth, Wakefield, and even Hull – all united by a shared passion for orchestral music. Ages range from 15 to 85, proving that music truly has no limits!
World-Class Soloists
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of performing with some of the finest soloists in the country, including Laura van der Heijden (cello), Matilda Lloyd (trumpet), Julian Saphir (piano – from Harrogate), Marika van der Meer (soprano), and the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.
Many of our guest artists are members of the prestigious Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) and consistently praise the orchestra’s high standards and professional accompaniment.
We’re equally proud to support local musicians and emerging young talent, offering opportunities for solo performances and musical growth.
Our Mission
From the beginning, our goal has been simple:To give musicians the chance to explore great orchestral repertoire and to share the magic of live music with audiences of all ages.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For over 30 years, we’ve nurtured young musicians through workshops, free tickets for children aged 14 and under, and concerts designed especially for families. A highlight was our 2013 Kids’ Concert, featuring puppets from the Jim Henson Workshop, which delighted more than 760 young music fans!
We’re also proud to work closely with the Harrogate Music Centre, where HSO members regularly join rehearsals to mentor and perform alongside young players.Be Part of the Experience
Whether you’re an experienced musician looking to join an exciting orchestra, or a music lover eager for unforgettable live performances, we’d love for you to be part of the HSO family.
Come and experience the power, passion, and beauty of orchestral music — right here in Harrogate.
Harrogate Symphony Orchestra generally performs four concerts each year. In March, June and November/December our programmes feature the orchestra and guests, and these concerts are in the Royal Hall.
Details of our forthcoming concerts are listed below, along with a link to purchase tickets – or you can visit the Harrogate Theatre Box Office on Cambridge Street.
The younger generation
If you would like to bring children to our concerts, they will be very welcome – in fact children aged 14 and under, and accompanied by a paying adult, receive free tickets for our regular Winter, Spring and Summer concerts! (Other arrangements may be in place for additional events). We would only ask that parents ensure that their children’s appreciation of the performance does not affect the experience of other audience members.
Concert FAQs
Concerts start at 7:30pm and usually finish between 9:30 and 10:00pm. Please note that to ensure that we comply with copyright and licensing rules, recordings are not permitted. However we often record our concerts and it is possible to listen to excerpts on our ‘Listen’ page.
WINTER CONCERT 2023
We’re delighted to welcome Artur Haftman as our guest soloist for our November concert, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.4.
The full programme will be:
- The Wasps Overture, Vaughan-Williams
- Piano Concerto No.4, Beethoven
- Symphony No.2, Sibelius
THE HARROGATE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2023
As ever, the Harrogate Christmas Concert will feature performers from schools around the Harrogate district.
Our guest performers for 2023 will be confirmed nearer to the concert date.
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD…
Moving on to 2024, we are looking forward to the following performances:
23rd March 2024 – Royal Hall
Spring Concert, 7.30pm
- Barber of Seville Overture, Rossini; Symphonic Dances, Grieg; Saxophone works, Glazunov
22nd June 2024 – Royal Hall
A Night of Dance
The Harrogate Symphony Orchestra (HSO) has been at the heart of Harrogate’s classical music scene since 1931, and today stands as one of the UK’s most respected amateur orchestras. Our members — talented musicians from across North Yorkshire and beyond — come together to perform inspiring live concerts that bring the magic of orchestral music to audiences of all ages.
Each season offers a rich blend of classical favourites and exciting new discoveries, performed to a professional standard and infused with passion, energy, and community spirit. Over the years, we’ve been honoured to perform alongside outstanding guest soloists, adding flair and brilliance to our concerts.
In 2022, our “Around the World” summer concert and “Family Fun Time” event welcomed audiences back with energy and joy. The momentum continued in 2023, featuring superb soloists and a wide variety of works — from timeless classics to fresh discoveries that delighted both newcomers and long-time concert-goers.
🌟 Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra continues to build on its proud tradition while looking firmly to the future. This year’s concert programme promises to be one of our most ambitious yet — combining celebrated orchestral masterpieces, bold new works, and family-friendly events designed to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Audiences can look forward to unforgettable performances in Harrogate’s finest concert venues, featuring guest soloists of international calibre and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has become the hallmark of HSO. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of classical music or discovering it for the first time, our 2025 season invites you to experience the thrill of live orchestral performance in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Join us on this exciting musical journey — and be part of something truly special with the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra.
Winter Concert 2025
Our ever-popular Winter Concert in November features the following superb works of music:
- Beethoven – Overture from Leonore No.3
- Dvorak – Cello Concerto – with soloist Tim Lowe
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No.4 in F Minor (Op.36)
The Harrogate Christmas Concert 2025
After a successful move to the beautiful Royal Hall for 2024, this year’s concert will be in our most familiar setting for a second year.
This wonderful concert is the Christmas Event in Harrogate !
Looking further ahead…
If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, pop the following performances for 2026 into your diary!
21st March 2026 – Royal Hall
- Reznicek, Overture Donna Diana; Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No.1 in Bb; Prokofiev, Symphony No.7
20th June 2026 – Royal Hall
- Concert with Harrogate Music Centre – details to be confirmed
14th November 2026 – Royal Hall
- Verdi, Overture La Forza del Destino; Bartok, Piano Concerto No.3, Brahms, Symphony No.4