# Norwich Philharmonic ## Posts - [Hello world!](https://norwichphil.org.uk/hello-world/): Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! ## Pages - [Leader Christine Rayfield](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/christine-rayfield/): Christine Rayfield Christine Rayfield, Leader of the Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra from September 2023 Chris Rayfield grew up in Leicestershire where her passion for orchestral music was nurtured by the Leicestershire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra of which she was a leading member throughout her secondary education performing solo parts in Beethoven’s Romance in F, Bach’s Concerto in D minor for Two Violins and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor. She went on to read music at Birmingham University where she was taught by Louis Carus at the Birmingham Conservatoire and gained a first in her final recital. Having made the decision to […] - [Join the Orchestra](https://norwichphil.org.uk/join-orch/): Join the Orchestra About the Orchestra Rehearsals usually take place every Tuesday evening (September – March) during school term time at 7.00pm at Norwich High School for Girls, Newmarket Road, Norwich.Principal Conductor Matthew Andrews conducts all the orchestral concerts, and the Orchestra’s Leader is Christine Rayfield.The Member’s annual subscription is £100.00 for the 2025 – 26 season, with concessions available on request. Joining the Orchestra The Orchestra welcomes new members as and when places become available.  We are a friendly orchestra and, while our players have varied musical backgrounds, we enjoy tackling challenging symphonic repertoire. The standard is high and we […] - [Join the Choir](https://norwichphil.org.uk/join-choir/): Join the Choir About the Choir Norwich Philharmonic Chorus are an active and enthusiastic choir. Currently they have around 120 members.The Society’s Choral Conductor is Ashley Grote.Rehearsals usually take place every Tuesday evening (September – March) during school term time at 7.00-9.00pm.During 2025-26, rehearsals will be held in the Blake Studio or The Chapel of Norwich School, The Close, Norwich.The Member’s annual subscription is £100.00 for the 2025-26 season, with concessions available on request. Joining the Choir If you enjoy singing, can hold a tune and would like to be part of a well established choir in the City, why not join […] - [Support](https://norwichphil.org.uk/support/): Support us Supporting the Norwich Phil can mean more than just coming along to our concerts.There are a number of other ways you can help. In fact, without these other arrangements we couldn’t continue to give the great concerts we do.Support the Phil further at a level that works for you:l e Make a Donation Choose your amount and frequency — Singular donation via Stripe— Singular donation by texting norwichphil and the amount to 70085— Singular or regular donation by Direct Debit (email treasurer1.norwichphil@gmail.com  to arrange) — Singular or regular donation by BACS Transfer to:     Norwich Philharmonic Society, sort code:40 […] - [Members](https://norwichphil.org.uk/members/): Members Choir Rehearsals Orchestra Rehearsals Orchestra Availability Choir Rehearsal Venues Orch Rehearsal Venues - [Policies](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/policies/): Policies The Society’s Constitution, Policy and Guidance documents are linked below. Constitution Privacy Policy Data Protection Safeguarding Lost Children Policy Aural Protection - [First Timer's Guide](https://norwichphil.org.uk/concerts/first-timers-guide/): First Timer’s Guide “I’ve never been to a classical concert before” You’ve come to the right place. Everyone remembers how unsure they were at their very first concert, so we’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked questions below.If you can’t find the answer here, please contact us using our online form. Or just come along to a concert – the people on the ticket desk at the entrance will always be pleased to help, or to point you at someone who can. What is classical music?Will I enjoy a classical concert?Will I recognise the pieces?What should I […] - [Previous Concerts](https://norwichphil.org.uk/concerts/previous-concerts/): Previous Concerts To give an idea of the versatility and expertise demonstrated by Society members over the years, a complete record of the pieces performed in every concert from 1947 to the present is listed below.If you would like to hear a particular piece or soloist again, or if you feel there have been particular ‘gaps’ in our repertoire over the years, send us your ideas. - [Conductor Ashley Grote](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/conductors/conductor-ashley-grote/): Ashley Grote Ashley Grote took up the post of chorus conductor with Norwich Philharmonic in September 2024. He has been the Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral since 2012, where he directs the Cathedral choirs in choral services, concerts, broadcasts and recordings. Prior to that, Ashley held positions as Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral (2008-12), Assistant Organist of Westminster Abbey (2005-08) and Organist-in-Residence at Tonbridge School (2004-05). He was also Organist and later Director of the Edington Festival of Music within the Liturgy.   Ashley began his musical life as a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge under the […] - [Conductor Matthew Andrews](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/conductors/conductor-matthew-andrews/): Matthew Andrews Matthew Andrews is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he studied composition (Dr Robert Saxton), piano, and conducting technique (Alan Hazeldine). He has received further tuition with Simon Bainbridge, Hans Werner Henze and conductors Christopher Adey and Peter Stark.   Matt has a rapidly growing reputation as an orchestral conductor and trainer. Since 2012 he has been a visiting conductor to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Junior Dept., Essex Young People’s Orchestra, and in 2014 will work with Wells Cathedral School Symphony Orchestra.   His début with Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra in […] - [History](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/history/): History of the Norwich Philharmonic Society When the Norwich Philharmonic Society made its public debut on March 5th 1841, Queen Victoria was 21 years old and the mother of a three-month-old daughter. In November that year she was to give birth to a son who became King Edward VII and, as Prince of Wales, bought Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Royal happenings – the marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 and the first child – would have gladdened Norfolk hearts, but there was another sensation on the horizon that promised to have a more immediate effect on their lives. They were […] - [Conductors](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/conductors/): Our Conductors The Norwich Phil has two conductors: Matthew Andrews, Principal Conductor of the Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra  and Ashley Grote, Conductor of the Norwich Philharmonic Chorus and choral repertoire at Philharmonic concerts. Click on the images to find out more. Matthew Andrews Ashley Grote - [Concert Venues](https://norwichphil.org.uk/concerts/concert-venues/): Concert Venues The Phil’s concert venue has traditionally been St Andrews Hall in Norwich, but due to continuing refurbishment work, the date from which our concerts can return there is as yet unconfirmed. Accordingly our concerts up until Christmas have been booked at alternative venues. Visit the Concerts page for more details.We have provisionally designated St Andrews Hall for most concerts in 2026, although arrangements have yet to be finalised.  Updates will be posted here as soon as they become available. Jump to the venue you are interested in: St Andrews Hall (the Halls),  Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk Events Centre (Showground), […] - [Choir Rehearsal Venues](https://norwichphil.org.uk/members/choir-rehearsal-venues/): Choir Rehearsal Venues Choir rehearsals are normally held in The Blake Studio or The Chapel of Norwich School. Follow the links below for more information. Venues for Friday night and Saturday afternoon rehearsals will vary depending on the evening concert venue.Please see here for details of the concert venues. Blake Studio The CloseNorwichNR1 4DD Directions The Chapel of Norwich School The CloseNorwichNR1 4DD Directions - [Orchestra Rehearsal Venues](https://norwichphil.org.uk/members/orchestra-rehearsal-venues/): Orchestra Rehearsal Venues Orchestral rehearsals are normally held in one of 3 buildings at Norwich High School (see diagram).  Occasionally they are held in St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School. Venues for Friday night and Saturday afternoon rehearsals will vary depending on the evening concert venue. Please see here for details of the concert venues.  Norwich High School 95 Newmarket RdNorwichNR2 2HU Directions St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School Jessopp Road Norwich NR2 3QB Directions - [Choir Rehearsals](https://norwichphil.org.uk/members/choir-rehearsals/): Choir Rehearsals   The Philharmonic Chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. During 2024-25, rehearsals will be held in The Blake Studio or The Chapel of Norwich School, The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DD. More information about the rehearsal venues can be found here. Normal reahearsal times and venues:Tuesday rehearsals: 19.00 – 21.00Venue: The Blake Studio or The Chapel of Norwich School, The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DD (see also below)Occasionally, rehearsal venues may have to be changed and notice will be given of any such changes. The date from which our concerts can return to the Halls as a […] - [Orchestra Rehearsals](https://norwichphil.org.uk/members/orchestra-rehearsals/): Orchestra Rehearsals   Normal reahearsal times and venues:Tuesday rehearsals: 19.00 – 21.30hrs in the main school hall (Eaton Grove) at Norwich High School, Newmarket Road, Norwich. (NHS in the list below) Venue key: SAH=St Andrew’s Hall. KCEN=King’s Centre NR1 1PH. CATH=Norwich Cathedral. NEC=Norfolk Events Centre, Showground, NR5 0TTDue to the St Andrew’s Hall refurbishment work, some venues and times for final rehearsals and concerts will vary. Please refer to the list below for further details. Members are expected to be available for all the relevant dates listed below, unless a special arrangement is made with your section leader (strings and […] - [Join](https://norwichphil.org.uk/join/): Join Join the Choir Join the Orchestra - [Availability](https://norwichphil.org.uk/members/availability/): Availability Orchestral members’ availability in 2025-26 Please complete the form below and then click the Submit button at the bottom, to indicate your availability etc for the coming 2025-26 season.Your data will only be used by the Norwich Phil for its own orchestral administration purposes, as per our Privacy Policy.Details of subscription payment options are listed at the bottom of this page. Subscriptions for the 2025-26 season Single payment: Member £100.00 Student £50.00 5 Instalments (Sep-Jan) or (Oct-Feb): Member £20.00 ea Student £10.00 ea If you are brass or woodwind and are not required for all concerts, membership is pro […] - [Mailing List](https://norwichphil.org.uk/contact/mailinglist/): Mailing List Please add me to the Norwich Phil Mailing List Fill in your details below to get details of all Norwich Philharmonic Concerts and other events. We will only add your name and email address to the Norwich Phil mailing list. In line with our Privacy Policy. We will not pass them on to any third parties. - [Committee](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/committee/): Committee How the Society is run The Constitution which sets down how the Norwich Philharmonic should be run is available here. Essentially it requires the Society to be run by a Committee consisting of the Society Trustees and a number of other members, elected each year at an Annual General Meeting. The current Committee membership is listed below, together with contact details, where appropriate: There is also an Orchestra Sub-Committee whose membership is listed below, plus informal groups covering Fundraising and Social; Choir; and Publicity matters. Orchestra Sub Committee: Catrina Nixon (Chair), Matt Andrews (Orchestra Conductor), Chris Rayfield (Orchestra Leader), […] - [Contact](https://norwichphil.org.uk/contact/): Contact Get in touch with us We will only use your name and email address to reply to your enquiry, in line with our Privacy Policy. We will not pass them on to any third parties. Contact Information  Email us Booking enquiries: treasurer@norwichphil.org.uk Society Secretary: philsec@norwichphil.org.uk Chorus Secretary: choirsec@norwichphil.org.uk Orchestral Secretary: orchsec@norwichphil.org.uk Friends of the Society: friendsec@norwichphil.org.uk Feedback on concerts: info@norwichphil.org.uk Website: website@norwichphil.org.uk General: info@norwichphil.org.uk Call us: 01508 558142 Join our Mailing List Follow us Facebook-f Instagram - [Concerts](https://norwichphil.org.uk/concerts/): Concerts Details of our the first half of our 2025-26 Season are below. Please note that while the reopening date for St Andrew’s Hall is still uncertain, our concerts at least up until Christmas will be in different venues. Please check concert details carefully.  The rest of our concerts for the season will be published here as soon as plans for St Andrew’s are finalised.You can also download our Brochure for Nov-Dec 2025. The Music in Norwich brochure will be be available to download here soon too.Never been to a classical music concert before? Read our First Timer’s Guide. Sibelius […] - [About](https://norwichphil.org.uk/about/): About the Norwich Phil The Norwich Philharmonic Society was established in 1841 and has remained at the heart of the city’s musical life ever since. With a full-size symphony orchestra and a mixed chorus of some 120 voices, auditioned members perform a wide repertoire of large-scale works, joined by guest soloists of the highest calibre. The Phil performs four concerts of choral and/or orchestral music each season, augmented by occasional Children’s Concerts, plus a very popular Family Christmas Concert.Many of our members kindly volunteer their time to ensure the Phil runs successfully, and the Society has always been a very […] - [Home](https://norwichphil.org.uk/): Norwich Philharmonic Society What’s on Buy Tickets Join us Mailing list  Our next concert is: Sibelius and Brahms Sat 8 November 2025, 7:30pmNorwich Cathedral – Venue details   Sibelius: Symphony No.7Brahms: A German Requiem   Alison Langer – soprano, James Newby – baritoneNorwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorusconducted by Matthew Andrews and Ashley Grote Buy Tickets See all our Concerts for the 2025-26 Season Join us The Norwich Philharmonic performs a wide repertoire of large scale works. Why not come and join us and take part in some wonderful performances? Join the Chorus Join the Orchestra Support us Supporting the Norwich […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)