About the Weekend

Now in its third year, the Hothorpe Hall Recorder Weekend explores the many facets of recorder orchestra, from the established and well-loved orchestral repertoire to exciting new and experimental music. The weekend is tutored by four of the finest recorder orchestra conductors at a superb venue and offers sessions suitable for recorder players of all abilities.

The modern recorder orchestra was pioneered at the Northern Recorder Course in 1973 by Dennis Bamforth. Now spanning all sizes of recorder from Sopranino to Contra Bass, the recorder orchestra is arguably the most popular form of recorder ensemble today with many new permanent orchestras starting in the past few years.

Chamber Recorder Orchestras (CRO) have been an exciting recent development with a growing amount of repertoire composed specifically for this ensemble. The addition of CRO sessions to the Hothorpe Hall Weekend offers another experience of recorder orchestra playing to participants. Essentially a one to a part orchestra, CRO repertoire varies from the very easy to the scarily difficult, thereby allowing everyone at the Hothorpe Hall weekend the opportunity to play in a CRO, should they wish to. Participants are, of course, welcome to stick to the larger orchestras where there will be strength in numbers on your part!

Players of all abilities are catered for during the weekend as each playing session features a choice of 'Easier' or 'Harder' music. 'Easier' sessions are geared towards players with little or no orchestral experience, or experienced players who want to try playing in a different section or who wish to give support to less confident players. The 'Easier' repertoire is carefully chosen so that by the end of the session everyone should be able to play their part to a satisfying level. 'Harder' sessions are designed for regular recorder orchestra or more experienced players. Both the 'Easier' and 'Harder' sessions will feature a range of different types of music to keep you interested all weekend.

There are three Massed Playing sessions during the weekend and less experienced players will be able to rely on stronger players sharing their parts in these sessions.

The weekend also gives you the opportunity to try out a Bass, Great or a Contra Bass recorder. Sessions introducing Basses, Greats and Contras will be held on the first evening to give you the chance to try out the larger instruments in a supportive, friendly and informal environment. If you enjoy the experience, you're very welcome to sign up to borrow a Bass, Great or a Contra to play in one or more of the 'Easier' sessions. Highly experienced Bass, Great and Contra players will sit at your side throughout each session to support you if needed.

All music is provided for the weekend.