The Hemel Symphony Orchestra was formed from the personnel of the Dacorum Symphony Orchestra after its closure in 2018. The DSO boasted over forty-five years of musical activity, with a vast repertoire that included Mahler’s symphonies, Richard Strauss’s Symphonic Poems, extracts from Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

The orchestra distinguished itself by being the first orchestra in Hertfordshire to perform Elgar’s third symphony (arranged by Anthony Payne), and for performing, on a memorable occasion, all of Beethoven’s symphonies in a single day.

The DSO performed at venues in Dorchester, Dartington, London, Luton, St. Albans (Cathedral), Watford (The Colosseum) and Wimborne Minster.

Tours abroad included Neu-Isenburg in Germany, Toulouse, Ingelheim am Rhein, Berlin, Paris and Italy.

Since its formation the Hemel Symphony Orchestra has been conducted by Maestro Claudio Di Meo.

The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 during term-time at John F Kennedy School, Hollybush Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2PH. It gives four concerts a year. There is an extensive list of well-regarded soloists who have asked to work with us.

We have vacancies for violins, violas and double basses; and also for trombones. Whatever instrument you play, please feel free to contact us with your details, and we will be very happy to put you on file in case any vacancies occur, or if we need deputies or extra players for any pieces.