The Haffner performs three concerts a year.
We are always interested in hearing from people who might like to play in the Haffner.
Even if there isn’t a vacancy straight away, vacancies do become available and we will make contact. Players of all ages join us, including school children though we generally look for players of Grade 8 standard or higher.
People come from quite far afield, with regular players who travel from Manchester, Sedbergh and Settle.
We have three concerts a year and rehearsals are on Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:45 pm, for 5 weeks before each concert.
In addition we rehearse on the evening preceding concert day, (normally with the soloist) and in the afternoon of concert day.
The rehearsal venue is in Lancaster, usually at the University of Lancaster. We ask players to attend all rehearsals, for obvious reasons.
Music, and bowings for string players, are provided prior to the first rehearsal.
There is a modest annual subscription to support the orchestra. For students and schoolchildren attending there is no charge. There are currently around 60 members.
People say that we are a friendly and well organised outfit. We have occasional social get-togethers for players and their families, which in the past have included mountain walks, weekends away, meals, a variety of celebration parties, and fund-raising events.
Here are some comments made recently by our members, when asked
“What do you like about playing with the Haffner?”
“Playing with a group of top notch gifted and committed musicians to a high standard of performance on the basis of a manageable number of rehearsals beforehand. A large audience base is excellent motivation to keep performances to this high standard.”
“I enjoy the challenging repertoire, working through sections to improve them and then feeling like you've learned something by the time the concert comes around.”
“The sense of community is really nice - everyone is very friendly and it's a really nice way to spend your Monday evenings!”
“Good challenging orchestral music to tackle; sense of achievement when we find we can perform difficult works; having a professional approach to music making; sense of camaraderie, socialising, as well as playing with good friends; the inclusion of families and supporters; good and appreciative audiences."
Contact the Secretary, Ruth Hutchison:
haffnersec@haffnerorchestra.org
Tel. 07773785287
