HCO gave its very first concert on Sunday 15th July 2015 in Tilehouse Baptist Church in Hitchin. They have a busy calendar of events in 2025 as they prepare to mark the decade milestone.

Daniel Hogan is conducting the March concert and the anniversary event in July. A HCO spokesperson explained that "he's worked with HCO once before and the orchestra and Daniel quickly formed a mutual love for each other! He 'grew up' in the Hertfordshire music system and is a great up and coming young conductor. (danielhogan)  

"The March concert, entitled 'Northern Lights' has music from eastern Europe and Scandinavia".  

"In July we are returning to an all English programme including the Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis which we played in our inaugural concert and the Elgar Introduction and Allegro - a firm favourite with players and audience alike. And of course we have our commissioned new work".

"The local composer who we've commissioned to write something for us is Iain Farrington; he was one of the composers who wrote for the King's coronation. We have asked Iain for something which reflects aspects of Hitchin and gives all sections of the orchestra 'moments to shine'!"

"We probably have between 40-50 players listed but we usually perform with 35-40 players". 

"We occasionally play with a much smaller group and have also invited in wind, brass players when the programme has needed them. In the past, we've also done some 'jazzy' concerts where we've been the luscious strings to a large jazz band! We're beginning to plan the next of these for 2026"

What makes HCO special? 

advertisement

"For me, there are so many factors... but being a string orchestra is VERY different, not only in the repertoire we play, but I suppose the shared understanding of string playing ensures we have a supportive but critical camaraderie which you wouldn't necessarily find in a symphony orchestra. We have had and are planning some great collaborations with conductors and soloists and bottom line - we are a very friendly bunch too!"

HCO Northern Lights Poster 1-2.png