Havant Symphony Orchestra

Noticeboard posts:
06.07.26 Havant Symphony Orchestra’s July 2026 newsletter
02.02.26 Profile: Alexandra Peel, violinist, and “Echoes of the Isles”
26.01.26 Profile: Edelyn Spina, violinist
29.11.25 Havant Symphony Orchestra presents “Tidings of Love and Joy”
20.12.24 ‘A Night of Stage and Screen’ with The Havant Symphony Orchestra!
16.11.24 ‘The Snowman’ – a magical narrated live performance with the Havant Symphony Orchestra
12.11.24 The Havant Symphony Orchestra presents a musical reflection on the theme of ‘war and peace’
14.10.24 Profile: Enyi Opkara, conductor
10.07.24 Preview: Havant Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Evening Concert, bursary auditions and plans for the next season
14.06.24 Profile: Joe Jolliffe, conductor of the Southeast-Hampshire Youth Orchestra
16.05.24 Profile: Adam Denman, trumpeter, and the Southern Music Project CIC
17.03.24 Preview: Haydn’s Creation by the University of Portsmouth choir and the Havant Symphony Orchestra
08.09.23 Profile: James Thomas, conductor
10.08.23 Havant Orchestras Bursary Conductor 2023-2024: Enyi Okpara
28.06.22 Havant Symphony Orchestra at 60: interviews with some of its longest-standing members
25.04.18 Profile: Stella Scott

Havant Symphony Orchestra (HSO) has been bringing live orchestral music to Southeast Hampshire for more than 60 years. It was founded by Peter Craddock in 1962 as a Further Education class, providing local amateur musicians with the opportunity to study, rehearse and perform a wide range of orchestral repertoire.

Today, HSO comprises around 70 enthusiastic musicians. Some are involved professionally in music, including local music teachers, while others are gifted amateur players, many travelling considerable distances to rehearse and perform with the orchestra. HSO is led by a professional leader and directed by a professional conductor.

Together with its sister orchestra, Havant Chamber Orchestra (HCO), HSO forms the Havant Orchestras, administered by the Havant and District Orchestral Society.

The conductor and musical director for the 2026-27 season is Ben Qureshi, who previously held the Bob and Beryl Harding Bursary for Young Conductors. The bursary offers a unique opportunity for a promising conductor to develop conducting and rehearsal skills, broaden their knowledge of orchestral repertoire and gain valuable insight into planning and organising a concert season.

Following two successful years as HSO’s assistant conductor, Ben has been invited to continue for a further year. He has put together an exciting programme for the season and in April, he and the Orchestra will be joined by Professor George Burrows and the University of Portsmouth Choir for a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

The orchestra’s leader is Martin Palmer, a professional violinist with extensive orchestral experience, including with the Orchestra of English National Ballet.

This season HSO will give four concerts at venues across the local area. The November and July concerts will take place at Oaklands Catholic School in Waterlooville, whose hall offers tiered seating, good acoustics and ample car parking. The opening concert will be held at Warblington School Hall, with the April concert at St Mary’s Church, Portsmouth. Please see our website havantorchestras.org for full details.

A defining feature of HSO’s programmes is the variety of music performed. Alongside the great works of the orchestral repertoire, the orchestra has increasingly explored more popular genres, combining well-known favourites with less familiar discoveries. Recent seasons have included a family concert and a programme of film music.

HSO concerts also regularly feature outstanding soloists, ranging from international performers and promising newcomers to talented members of the orchestra and established local professionals. This season, the orchestra welcomes violinist Alexandra Peel as soloist for the July concert.

With its combination of musical ambition, enthusiasm and community spirit, Havant Symphony Orchestra continues to offer audiences across South East Hampshire the chance to experience the richness and variety of live orchestral music.

Tickets
Under 18/Student – £5
In advance – £15
On the door – £20

Website
havantorchestras.org