ABOUT HARROGATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Harrogate Symphony Orchestra can trace its roots back to 1931 and is one of the UK’s leading amateur orchestras. We rehearse and perform a wide range of music to large audiences and to a high standard. Our regular concerts feature both established favourites and some lesser-known works, and we have been joined by several star soloists over the years.
We enjoyed presenting another extensive and varied programme of concerts to large audiences in 2025. These included a wonderful summer ‘Around the British Isles’ themed event, and works from composers as varied as Beethoven, Dvorak, Elgar, Tchaikovsky, and, perhaps less well-known, Sir Arthur Bliss. The range of composers and musical styles performed by Harrogate Symphony Orchestra is one of the things that keeps musicians and audiences alike so entertained.
We’re also committed to encourage the younger generation to discover the joy of music – as well as our regular Harrogate Christmas Concert, watch out for a very special event in 2026, in partnership with Harrogate Music Centre.
Please read on for more information about our programme for 2026 and beyond.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Summer Concert 2026 – with Harrogate Music Centre
GUEST PERFORMERS
We are proud of the many high-profile names in classical music who have chosen to perform with HSO. Some are well-established, while others have been in the early stages of a stellar career, including, for example a number of BBC Young Musician of the Year winners. Find out more about our guest players here.
GUEST PERFORMERS
We are proud of the many high-profile names in classical music who have chosen to perform with HSO. Some are well-established, while others have been in the early stages of a stellar career, including, for example a number of BBC Young Musician of the Year winners. Find out more about our guest players here.
Join Us
At HSO we’re always ready to welcome enthusiastic amateur players to join our ranks. Whilst we perform to a high standard, we don’t have formal auditions and your love of music is more important than raw talent. Our rehearsals take place in Knaresborough on Thursday evenings. If you’re looking for a friendly place to make music, please get in touch.
Support Us
We’re just as delighted to have non-players join the HSO family and you can do this in two ways. Firstly, please check out our concert diary and come along as often as you can. Even better, join the thriving Friends of HSO. Our Friends receive a range of benefits and have the pleasure of knowing they are helping to support live music in our community.
Who's Who?
When the members of an orchestra play together, it is the perfect example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts! Whether you blow, scrape, hit or just wag a stick, you contribute to the magic…
Even so, we thought you might like to know a bit more about some of the key individuals at Harrogate Symphony Orchestra. These include our long-standing, inspirational conductor and musical director, Bryan Western and several others.
NEWS
HSO Running Knaresborough Bed Race to support Shine 21
For the fifth year, HSO is entering a team in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race. This extraordinary event is part fancy dress pageant and part gruelling time trial over a 2.4 mile course, which culminates with a swim across River Nidd. The team is raising funds for the HSO charity of the...
HSO to run in Knaresborough Bed Race 2024, in aid of Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group
HSO are entering a team in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race for the fourth time! The Bed Race is something different: it is part fancy dress pageant and part gruelling time trial over a 2.4 mile course, ending with a swim through the sometimes icy waters of the River Nidd. [caption...