Orchestra of the Peaks

A community orchestra for the Dark Peak

Are you parent of young musicians and keen to do some playing yourself?

Or perhaps you are a former member of Dark Peak and eager to start playing again as an adult. 

Or maybe you know someone who is looking for a local orcehstra to play in!

The Orchestra of the Peaks is a friendly and inclusive community orchestra that is open to musicians of all ages and skill levels.

Everyone is welcome

Our members are from all walks of life and each has their own story to tell about their musical journey.

Our group includes players who haven't played for years and are eager to experience the excitement of performing great music again. We have both retired and active professional musicians, as well as parents of children in the current youth ensembles. Everyone is brought together by the joy of making wonderful music in a welcoming orchestra where participation is the most important thing.

What do we play?

The orchestra plays a wide variety of music from popular classics to light music for stage and screen. Past repertoire has included music from Carmen, Smetana's Vltava, Dvorak's New World Symphony, Night on a bare Mountain, Swan Lake and many other works popular classics.

The emphasis is firmly on enjoyment and community. We strive to play music as well as we can, but always within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Sharing the joy of music within the community

The orchestra is directed by Dark Peak's own Jeff Snowdon and normally gives two public concerts a year.

A popular feature of the concerts is the entertaining and informative introductions given by Gordon Gange, a retired member of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra who was well known for his pre-concert talks for the BBC.

In addition the full orchestra a number of smaller ensembles have emerged with players giving performances for community groups and in care homes.

Where and When?

The Orchestra of the Peak rehearses on Tuesday evenings 7.30 to 9pm at the Victoria Hall in Glossop. Rehearsals run during normal school term times although impromptu sessions spring up at other times as well, often if player's houses.

Being part of a musical group is an uplifting and magical experience and many new friendships have come about through the orchestra.

If you play an orchestral instrument to any standard a warm welcome awaits you and possibly a great new social activity.

contact us on admin@darkpeakmusic.co.uk if you would like more information