Hobart Chamber Orchestra

The Hobart Chamber Orchestra was established in 1987 and is primarily a string orchestra. It has developed a reputation for high-quality performances, initiative, innovation, building enduring collaborations, and fostering the emerging talents of soloists, conductors and composers. Membership is drawn from semi-professional musicians, Conservatorium students, music teachers and experienced amateurs pursuing other careers.   

The orchestra regularly performs under the direction of local conductors Gary Wain, Greg Stephens, Emma McGrath, Simon Reade and virtuoso violinist Peter Tanfield. It features and accompanies outstanding local and visiting soloists. Repertoire is drawn from the core classical string and symphonic orchestral canon, music of Australian composers, lesser- known contemporary orchestral music and works of women composers, and choral works, and has included world premières.   

Highlights are many and have included all of the Brandenburg Concerti of J.S. Bach, Tippett’s Concerto for Double String Orchestra, Piazzolla’s Four Seasons in Buenos Aires, Bartok’s Divertimento for Strings, Carl Rütti’s Requiem , the world premiere of Don Kay’s Symphony No. 4 and his Mathinna in the Red Dress, and the world première of composer Angus Davison’s Mountain. HCO also performs regularly as part of the Festival of Voices in works which have included Mendelssohn’s Elijah, the Requiems of both Brahms and Cherubini and the world première of Don Kay’s opera The Bushranger’s Lover with Deborah Cheetham.   

HCO from time to time collaborates with other musical organisations such as the Loose Canon Chamber Singers and Allegri Ensemble. HCO generally presents four or five programs per year in Hobart and occasionally tours regionally. 

Image supplied by Hobart Chamber Orchestra