About us
The Peak Chamber Orchestra was founded just over fifty years ago by the late Tom Bandy, who recognised a need for an orchestra where amateur musicians could gather to play a large variety of classical music, without the pressure of rehearsing for regular public concerts. Some public performance is of course desirable, in order that the players have an aim for improvement, and in the early days, one concert a year was performed in The Painted Hall at Chatsworth, at the invitation of the then Duke, the proceeds going to a charity of his choice.
Members of the orchestra meet to play for the love of music, performed with other like minded musicians, in a relaxed atmosphere and indeed there are still several founder members involved.
Glyn Davies conducted the orchestra for about 30 years, until his death in August 2016. Tim Maunder then took over but sadly died in early 2021. Keith Barstow then agreed to take over the role of conductor and relinquished his role as 1st clarinet. Rehearsals are held in the Methodist Church in Calver ( opposite Calver Village Hall), Derbyshire, at 7.30pm almost every Tuesday during term time. The orchestra always welcomes new players and we are currently encouraging and inviting new members to join especially in the string section.
If you are interested in finding out more or would like to come along to a rehearsal then we would be pleased to hear from you. You can make contact by clicking here.
