About Hampshire Recorder Sinfonia (HRS)

Helen Hooker
Helen Hooker

HRS is an independent group of some 20-30 recorder players playing as a recorder orchestra. It includes very young players still at school, students, and players from a wide range of backgrounds including retired persons. It is based in Havant, Hampshire, UK. It was formed to enhance the musical capabilities and experiences of players and for them to enjoy a shared musical experience. It performs some 4-5 concerts a year to widen awareness of the recorder and the recorder orchestra repertoire. Additionally, it has made three compact discs and taken part in an international recorder orchestra exchange.

HRS is an unusual recorder orchestra in the UK in that it has weekly rehearsals in school term times.

Currently, rehearsals are held between 7.30-9.00 pm at Warblington School, Southleigh Road, Havant PO9 2RR.

The Musical Director is Christopher Burgess. The Assistant Musical Director is Helen Hooker.

HRS has a constitution setting out its purpose and mode of operation. The current chair of the committee is Penny Smith to whom approaches for possible concerts by HRS should be made by e-mail or phone. HRS is affiliated to The Society of Recorder Players.

Anyone interested in joining HRS should contact HRS by e-mail or telephone Chris Burgess on 01489 891873 or Penny Smith on 01329 834297. HRS is keen to encourage more young people to join; historically, there has been an emphasis on young players, many of whom have moved on to careers in music, or music-related activities.