Airedale Symphony Orchestra
History 1898-2006
The orchestra was formed in 1898, which makes it one of the oldest in the country. Originally known as the Keighley and District Orchestral Society, its name was changed to the Airedale Symphony Orchestra in 1983. Among the many celebrities who have performed with the orchestra over its 108-year history are Isobel Baillie, Percy Grainger, Leon Goossens, Lady Barbirolli, Dennis Brain and Sir Henry Wood.
Since 1983, the ASO has built up a high reputation for its performances, largely playing to near capacity audiences. In 1988, to mark its Ninetieth Anniversary, the orchestra toured to Norway, giving concerts in Sandnes and Stavanger. To celebrate its Centenary Year in 1998, the orchestra performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Bradford Festival Choral Society, toured to Southern Ireland to appear in Galway and commissioned a new work, Airedale Variations, from local composer William Kinghorn. Also in 1998, the ASO gave the first amateur performance and northern premiere of Elgar’s Third Symphony, which was reconstructed by Anthony Payne.
As part of the Millennium Celebrations, the orchestra performed the “Organ” Symphony by Saint-Saëns and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, to great critical acclaim, in St. George’s Hall, Bradford. Proceeds from this concert were donated to Save the Children.
In May 2001, the ASO toured to the Channel Islands to give a concert in St. Helier, Jersey.
Rehearsals are on Monday evenings at Guiseley School, Fieldhead Road. If you are interested in becoming a member of the orchestra, please contact John Anderson telephone 01943 850526. At present there is a limited number of vacancies for upper strings, a double bass and a second horn. A high standard of playing is expected. For a map showing the location of Guiseley School click here
