About Hounslow Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1954, Hounslow Symphony Orchestra is one of West London’s most ambitious amateur orchestras. Under the direction of Music Director Dorian Dimitrov, we perform an exciting programme of concerts each season, combining the great orchestral masterpieces with contemporary music, music from the stage and screen, and collaborations with choirs, schools and guest artists.

At the heart of the orchestra is a simple belief: great music is made by people who enjoy making it together. We rehearse with commitment and high musical standards, but we are equally proud of the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that has characterised HSO for more than seventy years.

Our players come from every walk of life. They include students and retirees, teachers and NHS workers, scientists, engineers, business professionals and many others. Some have recently graduated from conservatoires or youth orchestras, while others have returned to playing after years away from their instrument. Whatever their background, they share a love of orchestral music and the enjoyment of performing together.

An Orchestra with an Adventurous Spirit

Our repertoire is as diverse as our membership. We believe audiences and players alike should be inspired, challenged and surprised.

Recent seasons have included monumental works such as Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”) and Orff’s Carmina Burana, alongside symphonies and concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, Elgar, Rachmaninoff, Bruckner, Verdi and many other great composers.

Our musical interests extend far beyond the traditional concert hall. We regularly perform music from the worlds of musical theatre and film, with programmes featuring favourites from The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Wicked, Star Wars, Superman and many more.

Performing with Outstanding Musicians

One of the hallmarks of Hounslow Symphony Orchestra is the opportunity to perform alongside exceptional professional musicians.

Over the years our concerts have featured an impressive range of distinguished soloists, including internationally acclaimed violinist Fenella Humphreys, horn player and BBC Young Musician finalist Ben Goldscheider, award winning mezzo-soprano Lily Mo Browne, soprano Olivia Doutney, pianist Zev Sebastian, tenor Christian Joel, baritone Stephen Whitford, and many other outstanding artists.

Performing alongside musicians of this calibre is both inspiring and enriching, giving our audiences memorable performances while allowing our players to collaborate with artists performing at the highest level.

Investing in Our Own Talent

Alongside welcoming distinguished guest soloists, we are equally committed to creating opportunities for musicians within our own orchestra.

We believe an amateur orchestra should not only present outstanding concerts but also help its own musicians to flourish. In recent years our Leader, Nicola Garty, has performed Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, Colin Rowe has appeared as soloist in Weber’s Bassoon Concerto, and Nanako Nakamura has performed Mozart’s Flute Concerto.

Supporting musicians in this way is an important part of who we are. It reflects our belief that an orchestra should be a place where talent is recognised, encouraged and shared.

Collaboration and Community

Music is at its best when it brings people together.

We regularly collaborate with choirs, schools, young musicians and community organisations, creating performances that range from intimate chamber concerts to large-scale choral works involving hundreds of performers.

More than seventy years after it was founded, Hounslow Symphony Orchestra remains true to its founding principles: bringing people together through outstanding music, embracing new challenges and creating opportunities for musicians to flourish.