How to join
Enjoy our recent video! If you play an instrument it will make you rush to join us or to be in the audience for our next concert. If you are interested in joining us please see below for the current vacancies and how to apply.
We are keen to hear from experienced adult players.
Current vacancies
Currently we are particularly looking for experienced violinists, violas, cello and double bass players and also have vacancies for a second trumpet and first trombone. We occasionally have vacancies for other strings and other wind and brass and are also happy to hear from those interested in depping opportunities.
When and where
We rehearse on Friday evenings, from 7.45pm until 10pm. Our rehearsals are at the Vital Village Hub in Mercer Close, Thames Ditton, KT7 0BS It is about 5 minutes’ walk from Thames Ditton station.
Music
We play a wide range of music. Typically we will open a concert with an overture, followed by a concerto, often with a guest soloist, then play a symphony after the interval. You can look at the biographies and concerts page to see our most recent programmes.
Tell me about the concerts
Concerts usually take place in St Andrews Church in Surbiton. Our "season" consists of concerts in Autumn, Spring and Summer, each preceded by nine rehearsals.
Requirements and next steps
Membership (at the sole discretion of the Committee) is open to musicians who meet appropriate standards (normally a technique approaching Grade 8 standard but equally important is experience of, and ability in, ensemble playing). Where there are vacancies, players wishing to join the Orchestra may be invited to attend a few taster rehearsals or even a trial term. Following informal assessment in rehearsals the Committee may invite the player to join the Orchestra in consultation with the section principal, the Leader (for strings), and the Conductor.
Kingston Philharmonia relies on our members’ subscriptions to fund our rehearsals/concerts. The current rate is £I80 p.a to be paid monthly or by term.
If you are interested in one of the vacancies, or in depping, please get in touch via the contacts page, and tell us something about your standard and experience to date.
