Dorset Sinfonia is an amateur classical orchestra drawing on the talents of musicians from throughout Dorset.

We play for the pleasure of making music as a group, advancing our abilities and encouraging newcomers. Our repertoire covers popular classical music, film music and music from the shows. We rehearse every Wednesday during term time at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church and entertain audiences with our concerts held at the end of each term.


Above all, our philosophy is:

MUSIC FOR PLEASURE FOR ALL

Our mission is to provide a platform for amateur musicians of all ages to come together and enjoy performing music to the highest level of skill we can attain. 

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Dave Ansell has been the  Conductor and Musical Director of the orchestra since 2010.
He has encouraged and led us through new music over the weeks culminating in our most recent concert held in July. His skill and enthusiasm are infectious and we have all been greatly encouraged by his youthful humour, brilliant analysis and professional direction. Because of our wider catchment the orchestra has changed its name to Dorset Sinfonia. Dave is also a brass music teacher for DASP.
  
"I grew up in Dorchester where I played the horn and piano with many local groups including the Durnovaria Silver Band, Weymouth Operatic and one of Dorset Sinfonia's earlier incarnations, the Weymouth Arts Centre Orchestra.
I pursued my love of music, going on to play horn with ensembles such as the Alexandra Brass Quintet, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, ROUT contemporary music ensemble and the National Pops Orchestra. Along the way I have taught brass and piano and conducted a number of groups including a salsa band on Guernsey. It was also Guernsey that provided me with my partner and the Sinfonia with it's leader, violinist (and string teacher) Rachel Greenwood.
My apprenticeship complete, I now return to Dorset ready to bring my eclectic tastes to bear on the Sinfonia who are, as has been mentioned, lovely!" - David Ansell, Musical Director.

HISTORY

Dorset Sinfonia started life as The Weymouth and District Arts Centre Music Group way back in 1958. All likely instrumentalists were invited and there was a good response from the strings but insufficient woodwind and brass players to make a full orchestra viable at the time.
The first engagement of the group was to provide background music at a "conversozione" for the Weymouth/Louviers Twinning Association, which proved a success and the group were asked to perform again at a similar event later that year. The orchestra was launched and additional members including brass, woodwind and percussion players joined and the group grew to encompass all sections of a standard classical orchestra.

In 1962 the name was changed to the "Weymouth Arts Centre Orchestra" and played under the musical direction of Mr Harvey Easton for eight years up until his retirement in 1971. For the next few years the orchestra had a variety of conductors until Mrs Angela Nankivell conducted her first concert with the orchestra in May 1980. Under her direction the orchestra prospered and concerts were given twice a year in many and various locations. Angela was unfortunately forced to retire through ill health in 2009.
We perform three concerts each year and welcome the support of visiting players and soloists as each programme dictates.
 We welcome new members from across Dorset and are currently looking to increase our numbers.
This page includes Term Dates.
If you're interested in joining the orchestra or have  a general query, please contact us.
Links to friends and partners.
Links to local press articles.
Reviews from people who've attended our concerts.
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