What do we play?

The Orchestra plays varied items from the classical repertoire. The programme is selected by the conductor, but taking account of suggestions from the players.

About Us

We own a library of scores, including many of the major symphonies. Other music is hired as required. The programme may include an invited soloist, performing a work of their choice.

The Orchestra tries to maintain the full complement of string and wind players that would be found in a standard orchestra. There are currently about 50 members.

We support St. Aldhelm’s Church by providing musical accompaniment at their annual carol service.

Charity Status

We are a registered charity and our aim is to develop education and appreciation of music, including through the presentation of concerts to the local community, in order that they may share in the joy of live music.

Registered Charity No. 1208090

Conductor & Leader

Conductor Richard Berry — **Conductor**
Richard Berry

After growing up in Bournemouth, Richard Berry began his musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music in 1991. Following a short time as Principal Horn with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, he was appointed Principal Horn of the English Chamber Orchestra in 1997 and toured the world with artists including Daniel Barenboim and Mstislav Rostropovich.

He has performed as a soloist on BBC Radio and at venues such as the Barbican Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Cadogan Hall, and features on the 2004 recording of Mozart’s Horn Concerto K.495. Alongside this, Richard has performed on over 900 film soundtracks, working with composers from Elmer Bernstein, John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

Richard’s passion for conducting began at the Academy. He has worked with many ensembles including the Britten Pears Orchestra and Magna Sinfonia. In 2023 he became Musical Director of St. Aldhelm’s Orchestra. He is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Anna grew up locally, studying the violin with Jonathan Taylor, and led the Wessex and Dorset Youth Orchestras. She continued her studies at City University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Mark Knight.

Anna taught in Spain for several years where she gave frequent chamber recitals and recorded with a pop/rock band. She returned to the UK as Head of Music at Broadstone Middle School in 2009, then in 2015 retrained as a music therapist with Nordoff & Robbins at the RNCM.

Anna now works as a music therapist in a variety of settings for the Nordoff & Robbins South West team. She was a finalist for the Advancing Healthcare Award for Innovation in Music Therapy in 2022, for her work with care-experienced children and young people.

Outside of St. Aldhelm’s Orchestra, Anna plays with Quintessence, a piano quintet, and the Nova Foresta Classical Players.