The Kingston Philharmonia was formed in 1973 by Walter Wurzburger, who had established himself in Kingston as a composer, player, conductor and teacher. He conducted the orchestra for the next twenty-one years. Nowadays, the orchestra is conducted by Levon Parikian and normally led by Clare Howick. Levon is a leading exponent of that very British tradition, a professional conductor of amateur orchestras. Clare is an established professional soloist and orchestral leader of high reputation, who has been associated with the Orchestra since its inception. We are now an established part of the musical landscape in Kingston-on-Thames, giving four concerts a year, mainly in Kingston Parish Church. We always welcome new players - especially violins, violas, double bass and brass. Please get in touch with us if you are interested. What’s New
We are now in training for our October concert.
The rehearsal schedule, posters for download, and tips for generating publicity can all be found on the members' page.  
Clare Howick's CD is now out, and is Gramophone Magazine's Editors Choice. See more on Clare's web site. It is available on Amazon - click here.
If you order it through this link, then both Clare and the Orchestra will benefit! Click here to see a photoblog (more photo than blog) of Dan's recent Peru trip. |
Future Concerts
Saturday 10th January 2009 (United Reformed Church, Kingston)
New Year(ish) Concert
Saturday 14th March 2009 (Kingston Parish Church)
Film Music
Saturday 11th July 2009 (Kingston Parish Church)
Saturday 17th October 2009 (Kingston Parish Church)
‘Celebrations’ composition projectFollowing the huge success of our project with the Notting Hill Housing Trust last year, we are proud to announce that we have been funded by the Royal Borough of Kingston to run a similar scheme - this time for young students - in the later part of autumn 2008. Yours is one of a few local groups we are targeting for participation and we would be grateful for your early response.This project has the potential to be a highly enjoyable and beneficial experience. Working in partnership with Kingston Music & Arts Service and Chessington Community College, it will result in a World Premiere performance, composed by Year 7 (11/12 year old) students, led by Adam Walters. Adam is a talented and experienced composer and professional performer (Royal Opera House, London Mozart Players, BBC Concert Orchestra, etc.), well used to working with children. Volunteer instrumentalists from our membership will be involved as support for Adam for the workshop days and the performance. These musicians will provide a source of information and inspiration to the students, but will at no point be asked to play anything they're uncomfortable with. The key quality needed here is enthusiasm! As well as the opportunity to be involved with an event that helps to encourage a future generation of musicians, your group stands to gain:
I have attached the latest project timetable for you. The times might possible change, but only by half an hour either way dependent on the school's timetable. Adam Walters is going to compose the music during the project, although he has been gathering ideas from the school to get a starting point. I think he won't really know what shape the composition will take until he knows which instruments has has available to work with. Contact the orchestra through the mail link if you are interested. |
