Our Aims
The KJO is an amateur symphony orchestra founded in 2006 by parents from various Cambridge schools.
Our aim is to provide a welcoming environment for those who have had a break from orchestral playing or who have little experience of a full orchestra. Our players have mixed ability but are Grade 6+, and some have been music professionals. By working together and supporting each other we aim to achieve and to progress to the highest standard we can.
We play a broad range of repertoire which is challenging, rewarding and reflects the make-up of our orchestra.
We try to perform at least one concert each year, with proceeds going to music-related charities or other good causes related to our members. Concerts are aimed at family and friends of orchestra members. We also want to make our concerts accessible to those who, for reasons of disability, old age or limited means, might otherwise not be able to enjoy live classical music. To that end we create informal partnerships with organisations representing such groups. Please get in touch with us via our contact form below if you represent or know of any such group.
We are constituted as a charity - see file below.
If you are interested in joining, contact us using the form at the foot of this page.
Our aim is to provide a welcoming environment for those who have had a break from orchestral playing or who have little experience of a full orchestra. Our players have mixed ability but are Grade 6+, and some have been music professionals. By working together and supporting each other we aim to achieve and to progress to the highest standard we can.
We play a broad range of repertoire which is challenging, rewarding and reflects the make-up of our orchestra.
We try to perform at least one concert each year, with proceeds going to music-related charities or other good causes related to our members. Concerts are aimed at family and friends of orchestra members. We also want to make our concerts accessible to those who, for reasons of disability, old age or limited means, might otherwise not be able to enjoy live classical music. To that end we create informal partnerships with organisations representing such groups. Please get in touch with us via our contact form below if you represent or know of any such group.
We are constituted as a charity - see file below.
If you are interested in joining, contact us using the form at the foot of this page.
| kjo_constitution.pdf |
Our Conductor - Chris Jessop
Chris was appointed in April 2010. He is a GP from St Ives, with many years of experience as a conductor, singer and trombone player. Groups he has been involved with include the Chamber Orchestra of St Ives, the Cambridge Philharmonic Chorus, Toowoomba Philharmonic, Australia, the Ascension Singers of Cambridge, Gonville and Caius College Musical Society, Addenbrookes Musical Society and St Ives Choral Society. From 2006 to 2009 he was Choral Director of the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Society, with whom he conducted repertoire including Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony and Fanstasia on Christmas Carols, Elgar’s The Music Makers, Haydn's Creation, Dvorak’s Stabat Mater and Beethoven’s Mass in C. In 2011 he was also appointed Musical Director of Swavesey Community Choir.
"Since I became the Musical Director of the KJO in April, 2010, I have enjoyed the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the orchestra. We strive to achieve a high musical standard, whilst having a good time and enjoying the social aspects of music making. If you think KJO may be the orchestra for you, please contact us to arrange to come along to one of our Monday evening rehearsals. I look forward to meeting you."
See the article below which Chris wrote for the GP Look East magazine
Email: [email protected]
"Since I became the Musical Director of the KJO in April, 2010, I have enjoyed the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the orchestra. We strive to achieve a high musical standard, whilst having a good time and enjoying the social aspects of music making. If you think KJO may be the orchestra for you, please contact us to arrange to come along to one of our Monday evening rehearsals. I look forward to meeting you."
See the article below which Chris wrote for the GP Look East magazine
Email: [email protected]
| chris_jessop_on__music_and_general_practice.pdf |
Our Patron - Robert Ziegler
Our Patron, Robert Ziegler, is one of the most versatile and innovative musicians working today, conducting symphonic and operating repertoire as well as musical theatre, popular and contemporary music. He regularly records music for film and television, and also maintains a lively career as a presenter and writer of live concerts and radio programmes.
"I was pleased to accept the rather grand position of Patron of KJO after conducting the orchestra in two rehearsals. I found the friendly, enthusiastic energy of the players very attractive and was impressed by their welcoming attitude to new amateur players. There is a wide and exciting range of repertoire performed in a supportive and energetic atmosphere."
"I was pleased to accept the rather grand position of Patron of KJO after conducting the orchestra in two rehearsals. I found the friendly, enthusiastic energy of the players very attractive and was impressed by their welcoming attitude to new amateur players. There is a wide and exciting range of repertoire performed in a supportive and energetic atmosphere."
Our Players
KJO's players span all ages of adults, a diverse range of progressions and skills, and a broad spread of ability. However we all share a desire to play music in a friendly but ambitious environment. Here are what some of our players have to say about KJO:
"I hadn't played the French Horn for 17 years and I didn't even own an instrument any more. But when I saw the advert for a new orchestra, the KJO, it seemed to be aimed at exactly the likes of me, even emphasising 'the non-threatening atmosphere' which would be central to the new venture. Rather nervously I rented a horn and signed up. Five years later, I am happy to report that the instrument has once more taken over my life!" Caroline, French Horn
"Having not played in an orchestra since school, KJO has offered me a wonderful way back to orchestral playing. Its welcoming attitude, where making mistakes are all part of the learning and fun, has boosted my confidence hugely. Chris Jessop's skilled conducting, combing encouragement and rigour, has meant that we have been able to tackle some marvellous music." Anthea, Violin
"For me, the KJO has a uniquely special place in the Cambridge amateur music scene - it's serious about good orchestral playing, but at the same time friendly, convivial and genuinely reassuring for the rusty, as many of us are. It's great that it's now growing so healthily in both numbers and musical quality without losing any of its relaxed and sociable style." David, Violin
"The enjoyment is doing something quite unlike the day job and communicating with friends through the medium of music. And our sound and focus is constantly improving." Robert, Flute
"A Monday night orchestra, just like the one in Newport; about the same level, term-time only ... oh, and with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc!" Peter, Violin
"KJO has given me an opportunity to take up where I left off from many years on my second instrument and play as part of a team, which is exciting as it keeps my hand in, literally and figuratively." Claire - Violin
"I hadn't played the French Horn for 17 years and I didn't even own an instrument any more. But when I saw the advert for a new orchestra, the KJO, it seemed to be aimed at exactly the likes of me, even emphasising 'the non-threatening atmosphere' which would be central to the new venture. Rather nervously I rented a horn and signed up. Five years later, I am happy to report that the instrument has once more taken over my life!" Caroline, French Horn
"Having not played in an orchestra since school, KJO has offered me a wonderful way back to orchestral playing. Its welcoming attitude, where making mistakes are all part of the learning and fun, has boosted my confidence hugely. Chris Jessop's skilled conducting, combing encouragement and rigour, has meant that we have been able to tackle some marvellous music." Anthea, Violin
"For me, the KJO has a uniquely special place in the Cambridge amateur music scene - it's serious about good orchestral playing, but at the same time friendly, convivial and genuinely reassuring for the rusty, as many of us are. It's great that it's now growing so healthily in both numbers and musical quality without losing any of its relaxed and sociable style." David, Violin
"The enjoyment is doing something quite unlike the day job and communicating with friends through the medium of music. And our sound and focus is constantly improving." Robert, Flute
"A Monday night orchestra, just like the one in Newport; about the same level, term-time only ... oh, and with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc!" Peter, Violin
"KJO has given me an opportunity to take up where I left off from many years on my second instrument and play as part of a team, which is exciting as it keeps my hand in, literally and figuratively." Claire - Violin
If you are interested in joining the KJO and would like more information, please look at our page about joining and complete our contact form and we will get in touch with you.
