About 

Established in 1949, Derby Concert Orchestra is Derby and Derbyshire's local orchestra. Lead by Principal Conductor Jonathan Trout, we play six concerts a year in and around Derby. 

We play the entire orchestral repertoire, from smaller scale baroque pieces to the mightiest symphonic works. We often invite new and emerging singers and instrumentalists to perform, usually leading to some exciting and memorable concerts. 

Would you like to join our orchestra?

Jonathan Trout

Principal Conductor

Jonathan studied the violin at the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the RNCM) followed by a music degree at the University of York. As as violinist, he gained valuable experience in the Ulster, Sadlers Wells and Royal Ballet orchestras.

He has extensive conducting experience, including with the Sinfonia Bucharest, London Schubert Players, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's 'Ensemble Ten-Ten', and Bolton Symphony Orchestra. Jonathan has also attended the International Conductors' Institute in Bulgaria and worked with the Varna State Philharmonic. 

Ed Temple

Assistant Conductor

Ed studied at Manchester University where he conducted the University Chamber Orchestra, directed several shows and studied cello with Jonathan Price.
 
Ed has extensive experience of conducting choirs and orchestras, having lead a regional music centre and worked as a Head of Music in several schools. He has conducted productions at the Dancehouse Theatre, Manchester; Derngate Theatre, Northampton; and the Schools Prom at the Albert Hall.

He is currently Director of Music at Derby High School and conducts the recently formed Elgin String Orchestra.

Andrew Hubbard

Deputy Conductor

Andrew Hubbard is our contra bassoonist and has been a member of the orchestra for many years.  He studied music at Nottingham University and was awarded a PhD for a thesis on the late operas of Sullivan. 

Andrew decided not to follow a music career and instead retrained as an inspector of taxes.  He is now a partner in an international accountancy firm and combines this with being editor-in-chief of Taxation magazine.

Clair Stanley

Leader

Clair began playing the violin at the age of three and her teachers included David Hadwen, Walter Verdehr, Benedict Holland and Carmel Kaine.  She studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, then moved to the USA to study for her Masters. 

While in the USA, Clair played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the American Sinfonietta and also for lead shows on Broadway. Since returning to the UK, she has played with many orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Philharmonic, the Halle and Northern Sinfonia. 

Our history

Founded as The Derby Light Orchestra in 1949 by Allan Street (a well known brass player and teacher), the orchestra originally concentrated on 'light classical' repertoire. Performance standards were high, as they are today. Violinist Alfredo Campoli and the Derby composer Ronald Binge featured in early concerts.

The name and characteristics of our orchestra have changed as it has matured and grown.