Durham University Hill Orchestra

Durham University Hill Orchestra is one of the main orchestras at Durham University. It is unique in terms of its total inclusivity – the orchestra is completely non-auditioned and welcomes orchestral players of any level and experience. DUHO enjoys a relaxed and friendly approach to tackling exciting concert repertoire, ranging from classic film scores such as The Empire Strikes Back, E.T. and The Lord of the Rings to orchestral greats, including Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ Symphony and Sibelius’ Finlandia.

With a history of passionate and inspiring conductors, great concert opportunities in beautiful venues, yearly tours and fun and imaginative socials, DUHO offers the perfect way to keep the pleasure of orchestral music-making alive at Durham University.

Upcoming Concerts

Epiphany 2024 Concert Poster

A Night In The Planets

St Oswald's Church - DH1 3DQ

Our next concert is on March the 1st 2024 at St Oswald's Church. This will be a charity event in aid of Marie Curie UK where all profits made will be donated. We will be performing a selection from Holst the Planets and feature our wonderful ensembles for a wonderful evening of music, and talented musicians. We would love to see you there!

Doors open at 18:30 and the concert will finish by 20:30. Hope to see you there!

Don't miss out! Tickets are available online through the link below:

Tickets: https://durhamstudentmusic.org/whats-on/planets-from-the-hill

Our Exec

President

President photo Lowri Carter
  • 2nd Year Music
  • Flute

Treasurer

Treasurer photo Mary Patterson
  • 3rd Year Biology
  • Violin

Secretary

Secretary photo Arthur Robinson
  • 3rd Year Biology
  • Clarinet

Concerts & Tours Manager

Concerts & Tours Manager photo Olivia Miller
  • 1st Year Natural Sciences
  • Cello

Social Sec

Social Sec photo Haya Chaudhri
  • 1st Year Social Sciences
  • Violin

Conductor

Conductor photo Lucas Kirby
  • 3rd Year Physics
  • Baton

Librarian

Librarian photo Anna Talbot-Ponsonby
  • 3rd Year Geology
  • Violin

Vice President

Vice President Photo Lucy Clennell
  • 3rd Year Liberal Arts
  • Flute

Webmaster

Webmaster photo Piers Bryn
  • 3rd Year Physics
  • Violin

President's Welcome

Welcome to Durham University Hill Orchestra! As the only non-auditioned orchestra in Durham, we pride ourselves on being inclusive, relaxed and a safe environment for all to enjoy! We welcome anybody, of any musical ability to join, the more the merrier.

We have termly concerts and socials, this year we have been trying out some busking and ensemble work too! We play a variety of music from classical to films so there is something for everybody. If you would like to join us, feel free to try out a rehearsal with us at Sir James Knott Hall, Saturdays from 15:00-17:30 (dates and times may vary, for updated times and locations follow our Instagram @hill.orchestra). Or if you have any queries, please email hill.orchestra.society@durham.ac.uk and we will be very happy to help!

Lowri

Our Conductor

Conductor photo

Lucas Kirby

Hi! I’m a third year from Collingwood and have the pleasure of conducting Hill Orchestra for the 2023/24 academic year. I aim to make our rehearsals fun and stress-free whilst helping us play some good music!

Outside of the orchestra, you might see me taking photos around Durham or managing tech at an event. Hope to see you at rehearsal soon!

Join Us

If you're thinking of joining us, get in touch via email or message us on Facebook. If you want to become a member on a permanent basis, membership of The Hill Orchestra is available to anyone at Durham University and gives you access to discounted Hill Orchestra merchandise and recognition of your hard work in our concert programmes as well as enabling us to buy more high quality music to perform.

Alternatively, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at the society email address.