Originally called the High Lane Orchestral Society, the Orchestra was founded in 1911 by William Griffin. Early membership records show that, not only did it attract individuals, but also whole families and provided many of the members with their first experience of ensemble playing.
Our longest serving member, Wyn Massey, says "Originally, most members were local as not many people owned a car. The founder, Mr Griffin, was also our first conductor and a very gentle and patient man. I was twelve years old when I joined and all the members were so friendly and encouraging. Years later, the Orchestra moved to Hazel Grove and, being on a bus route, attracted more members. The Orchestra is still thriving today as the Hazel Grove Orchestra, with even more members, and it still has that friendly feel. Mr Griffin would be proud to think that the small group of friends he got together to play music just for enjoyment and their own pleasure is still playing for the same reasons 100 years later."
Hazel Grove Orchestra in concert
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HGO concerts are always popular and well attended. With our present conductor, Mehrdad Bakhshayesh, who has held the post for the past 15 years, the Orchestra has grown considerably, both in size and ability, and has extended its classical repertoire. Mehrdad says of the forthcoming concert "We are hoping to make this a particularly memorable evening and I am looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the concert to help us celebrate". We are also hoping to make the interval a special event with home-made refreshments.
Violins and upper woodwind
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Please put the date in your diary and come along to the Methodist Church on Wesley Street, Hazel Grove at 7.30pm on Saturday November 26th. Tickets £6.00 , £5.00 concessions, £2.00 Children under 16. We can promise you an enjoyable evening of music making.
The bass and brass players
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