We are proud to share these endorsements from acclaimed soloists and conductors who have recently worked with Orchestra North East!

Timothy Henty - Conductor ONE February 2016 and June and October 2014

"Performing with ONE is a life affirming experience. Comprised of exceptional players, they not only perform to a sparkling standard but bring a genuine, infectious love of music to their audience and to each other. ONE are an essential ingredient in the cultural makeup of North East England". 


Emma Johnson (clarinet soloist in June 2011 and February 2015)
 “It has always been an immense pleasure to work with Orchestra North East. Not only do they play the classics with finesse and enthusiasm, they also have tackled with me more up to date and jazzy repertoire with spectacular results. They enjoy playing music and that enjoyment transmits to the audience. I wish them all the very best for the future”.
 
Andrew Watkinson (violin soloist in June 2014, January 2010 and January 2006; also 1987, 1988, 1994)
 “I have had the pleasure of working with Orchestra North East (and its predecessor the Durham Sinfonia) on many occasions over almost 40 years. The orchestra may not be fully professional but it always plays to an astonishingly high level and the players create a lively, friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere. Add to this some fine conductors and, usually, the joy of performing in the splendour of Durham Cathedral and I feel I have been very lucky to have taken part in some remarkable performances with them”.

Anna-Liise Bezrodney (violin soloist with ONE October 2015, October 2014 and February 2013)
 "Orchestra North East is one of the few orchestras which reflect and portray the most important essence of sincerity towards classical music; love. I have had the pleasure to work with this wonderful orchestra as a soloist 3 times in a row now (and I have played with MANY orchestras around the world!) and after each time I am astonished how high the level is. The dedication, love, belief and warmth that I was surrounded with is astounding and extremely rare.

Durham is in absolute, desperate need of such an orchestra in the area, which provides not only wonderful concerts but is without a doubt one of the best semi-amateur orchestras in the country. I sincerely hope to return to play with the orchestra very soon, I feel a strong bond between the people and myself, all of which is tied together by one of the most incredible art form which will ever exist: music. Music starts where words end!"
 
Neil Thompson (conductor in October 2011 and February 2013)
 “I have extremely happy memories of my two concerts with Orchestra North East. Not only for the extremely positive and focused atmosphere in the rehearsals but also for what we achieved musically in the concerts. Both Shostakovich 10 and Dvorak 7 were real performances that we could all be proud of”.
 
Thomas Blunt (conductor in March 2014 and October 2012)
"My concerts with ONE are among my most memorable and thrilling experiences - they play out of their skins, with a commitment and passion that is truly outstanding."

Philippe Bach (conductor in January 2010 and February 2012)
 "The collaboration with the Orchestra North East has meant so much to me. The combination of openness and discipline and their willingness to make good music has always impressed me a lot. They are also the most friendly orchestra; it was (and hopefully will be) such a beautiful experience to work on so much great music with all these wonderful people."

Aidan Oliver (conductor in October 2015 and February 2015)
 “Orchestra North East is an ensemble of fearlessly committed musicians, unafraid to tackle even the most daunting of orchestral masterworks.  They offer their audiences and conductors the best of both worlds: the virtuosity of professionals with the exuberance that comes from the sheer love of playing together!”

Timothy Henty- conductor

Emma Johnson- clarinet

Andrew Watkinson- violin

Anna-Liise Bezrodney-violin

Phillipe Bach

Aidan Oliver- conductor