Haffner Orchestra > Playing with us

Playing with the orchestra

The orchestra is a "classical" orchestra in size, with around 50 playing members. Members are drawn mainly from the Lancaster area and are professionals or amateurs of a high standard. Some come from further afield. Students from the University and St Martin's College are also encouraged to join. The leader is a professional player. We aim to play a wide repertoire from the baroque period to the 21st century, and have occasionally commissioned works.

Membership is by invitation, and auditions are held. Members pay an annual subscription, which is £45 a year or £18 a term. Students are exempt. Rehearsals are held in Lancaster from 7:30pm to 9:45pm on five Mondays preceding each concert and the Friday before the concert (the latter usually with the soloist). There is a rehearsal on the day of the concert from 2pm to 5pm.

We have engaged professional coaches to take sectional rehearsals.

Workshops and other events

We occasionally hold workshop events, usually a day's playing of a major work, sometimes with a guest conductor. These are open to non-members. Fundraising events are organised such as our annual "Open Garden" held in the grounds of a local stately home (see pictures of this year's here), where chamber music groups play out of doors (weather permitting). Orchestra members organise various social events, which have included walks, meals out, barn dances, weekends away and for years an annual quiz.

Interested in playing with us?

Contact the Secretary, Roger Dillon:

or telephone 01524 822045.