Concordia String Orchestra was formed in 1997 to provide an opportunity for string players living in or near Aberdeen to rehearse on a weekly basis and so explore the rich repertoire of compositions which were otherwise unavailable to them. Initially, rehearsals took place in the workshop of leading light John Scott, after which refuge was sought in the more comfortable surroundings of a Music Classroom in Robert Gordon’s College.
The first concert took place on Saturday 28th March 1998 in the Cowdray Hall, conducted by Tim Tricker and featuring Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor for oboe and strings with Tim’s sister Melanie as soloist. A report by Alan Cooper was published in Aberdeen Press and Journal, declaring that the playing grew in confidence “to end the performance with a fine flourish and great promise for the future.”
Since those early days, Concordia has developed in many ways. Rehearsal venues have changed to Ferryhill Parish Church, then Hillview Community Church in Cults, whilst concerts have been performed both in traditional concert venues and unconventional locations including a marquee in the grounds of Pitmedden House and in Duthie Park’s Winter Gardens. After an early period of guest conductors, Tim Tricker has become conductor in residence, growing the capability of the orchestra to tackle challenging works such as Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” and Vaughan William’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” as well as performing world premiers of pieces composed especially for Concordia by Tim Tricker and our cellist Dave Southwood.
Concordia enjoys collaborating with local musicians. We have given young performers a platform to display their talents, many of whom have since become successful national and international musicians including oboist Fraser Kelman, violinist Hannah Renton, and pianist Christopher Baxter. And in 2023 the orchestra performed a very successful joint concert with local choral group Con Anima, resulting in a joyous celebration of music by Finzi.
Since 2001 Concordia has supported the charity Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent) by accompanying and performing with the Grampian Hospitals Choir in their annual Christmas carol concert, a very enjoyable event traditionally taking place in Aberdeen Music Hall in front of a full house.
The first concert took place on Saturday 28th March 1998 in the Cowdray Hall, conducted by Tim Tricker and featuring Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor for oboe and strings with Tim’s sister Melanie as soloist. A report by Alan Cooper was published in Aberdeen Press and Journal, declaring that the playing grew in confidence “to end the performance with a fine flourish and great promise for the future.”
Since those early days, Concordia has developed in many ways. Rehearsal venues have changed to Ferryhill Parish Church, then Hillview Community Church in Cults, whilst concerts have been performed both in traditional concert venues and unconventional locations including a marquee in the grounds of Pitmedden House and in Duthie Park’s Winter Gardens. After an early period of guest conductors, Tim Tricker has become conductor in residence, growing the capability of the orchestra to tackle challenging works such as Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” and Vaughan William’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” as well as performing world premiers of pieces composed especially for Concordia by Tim Tricker and our cellist Dave Southwood.
Concordia enjoys collaborating with local musicians. We have given young performers a platform to display their talents, many of whom have since become successful national and international musicians including oboist Fraser Kelman, violinist Hannah Renton, and pianist Christopher Baxter. And in 2023 the orchestra performed a very successful joint concert with local choral group Con Anima, resulting in a joyous celebration of music by Finzi.
Since 2001 Concordia has supported the charity Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent) by accompanying and performing with the Grampian Hospitals Choir in their annual Christmas carol concert, a very enjoyable event traditionally taking place in Aberdeen Music Hall in front of a full house.
