The Rehearsal Orchestra is a musical charity that runs weekend and full-week orchestral courses for future professionals and talented amateurs. Over the course of six decades many thousands have directly benefitted from our work. As well as offering enjoyment and stimulation to amateur players, virtually every professional orchestra in the UK includes players who have passed through the ranks of the Rehearsal Orchestra, creating an impact on the musical culture nationwide which belies the modest size of our charity.
Since 1957, we have offered high-level training through intensive rehearsal, exploring key orchestral repertoire with experienced conductors and a team of professional string principals. This supportive, non-competitive environment allows players to grow as musicians without the pressure of concert giving. We run a year-round fundraising programme and, with the help of donations from charitable trusts, foundations and generous individuals, places on every course are heavily subsidised to enable as many players as possible to benefit from the opportunities we offer, with further reductions and bursary programmes for full-time students. Players include students, young/retired professionals and good amateurs of all ages (over eighteen and playing at advanced level).
