A selection of comments from soloists and conductors who have recently worked with Orchestra North East:
Timothy Henty  (conductor of 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”.
See all comments from soloists and conductors

Media reviews of Orchestra North East concerts:

Codebreaker at Sage Gateshead, 1st May 2022:
 https://www.culturednortheast.co.uk/2022/05/04/review-codebreaker-at-sage-gateshead/

From the Durham Times Friday April  27th 2018:
A review of the Concert in the Gala Theatre Durham on April 22nd 2018.
“In a splendid concert in the Gala Theatre on Sunday, Orchestra North East added to musical history by performing an overture that has probably never been played in the UK before. Emilie Mayer was a prolific composer in Germany but when she died in 1883 her music fell into obscurity and is only recently being rediscovered. Her Faust Overture, dramatic and melodious by turns, provided a most enjoyable start to the concert.  
With pianist Murray McLachlan, the Orchestra gave an outstanding performance of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The music’s changes of pace and mood were deftly handled by soloist and orchestra alike in this demanding piece. Quirky details of orchestral accompaniment were played with confidence and the cool brilliance of McLachlan’s performance was breath-taking. A delighted audience was rewarded with a most unusual encore, Scriabin’s Nocturne for the Left Hand.
Dvorak’s 6th Symphony was clearly something that conductor Monica Buckland and the Orchestra enjoyed playing. The warmth and sheer musicality of the symphony shone through from the start, with the rich sound of the Orchestra’s strings laying a solid foundation. Particular mention should be made of beautiful playing by the woodwind in the lyrical slow movement, but the smooth contributions from the horns throughout was also admirable. The lively final movement had all players showing their best. An excellent programme.”
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David Thornber, Northern Echo (concert at The Sage Gateshead, June 2015)
"Together in harmony, Orchestra North East, choirs and soloists produced a performance of truly professional standard, which received the recognition of an appreciative audience."
Gavin Engelbrecht, Northern Echo (concert at Durham Gala Theatre, March 2014)
"The dramatic opening bars of Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto were keenly anticipated and when they were delivered exceeded every expectation."
See more media reviews

Timothy Henty

Emma Johnson