Settle Orchestra Keeps The Dales Alive With Music

As the summer haze fades and the first hints of autumn colour the Yorkshire Dales, a familiar sound begins to ripple through the valleys — the swell of strings, the call of brass and woodwind, the heartbeat of timpani. In the market town of Settle, musicians gather on Friday evenings, their instruments in tow, ready to breathe life into the next chapter of the Dales’ cultural story.

This September, Settle Orchestra launches its 2025–2026 rehearsal season with a flourish. The opening concerts in November will feature the glorious Dvořák Cello Concerto, performed by the orchestra’s own Bob Buller — a work of aching lyricism and nostalgic beauty that sets the tone for a year of rich, varied music-making.

At the helm this season is Andre Chan, a talented conductor from Hong Kong and a graduate student at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Already experienced with ensembles such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Hallé, Manchester Camerata, and MAV Symphony in Budapest, Andre brings a new energy and an artist’s precision to the podium.

This year also sees the return of one of the orchestra’s most treasured collaborations — a joint concert with the Langcliffe Singers. Following their rapturously received performance of Brahms’ Requiem in 2023, the two ensembles will reunite for Beethoven’s Mass in C, a tender and deeply personal setting of the Latin mass that deserves to be heard more often. Other season highlights include a French-inspired programme featuring Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc, and Mozart’s effervescent Paris Symphony.

An Open Invitation to Musicians

Settle Orchestra is more than a concert series; it’s a community. As rehearsals begin, the ensemble is extending an open invitation to musicians — especially cellists, violists, double bassists, string and brass players, and younger performers — to join their ranks. Players should be at least Grade 6–7 standard (Grade 5 for strings), but there’s no formal audition. Reduced subscriptions are available for students.

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Friday evenings at 7.40pm in the welcoming hall of St John’s Methodist Church, Settle. Each term culminates in two concerts — one in Settle, one in Skipton — drawing around 110 audience members at each performance. This season’s dates are 22 & 29 November 2025, 21 & 29 March 2026, and 20 & 27 June 2026.

For those who have never seen a concert from the other side of the stage, the orchestra’s open rehearsals are a revelation. Held once a term, these informal afternoons offer a glimpse into the artistry, camaraderie, and dedication that transform black dots on a page into music that stirs the soul.

“We’d love to see some new faces at rehearsals this season,” says Chairman Charles Dobson. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to share a love of classical music and be part of a supportive community.”

Settle Orchestra also welcomes composers interested in writing new works for the ensemble, helping to keep the spirit of live music vibrant and evolving in the Dales.

Whether you take your seat in the audience or step onto the stage, this season is your chance to experience and be part of the sound of the Dales.

For concert details, membership information, and tickets, visit www.settleorchestra.org.uk.