Dorset Sinfonia is an amateur classical orchestra drawing on the talents of musicians from throughout Dorset.
We play for the pleasure of making music as a group, advancing our abilities and encouraging newcomers. Our repertoire covers popular classical music, film music and music from the shows. We rehearse every Wednesday during term time at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church and entertain audiences with our concerts held at the end of each term.
Above all, our philosophy is:
MUSIC FOR PLEASURE FOR ALL
Our mission is to provide a platform for amateur musicians of all ages to come together and enjoy performing music to the highest level of skill we can attain.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Dave Ansell has been the Conductor and Musical Director of the orchestra since 2010.
During this time, he has encouraged and led us through an eclectic mix of new and exciting music. His skill and enthusiasm are infectious and we have all been greatly encouraged by his humour, brilliant analysis and professional direction. Dave is also a professional horn player, and brass and piano teacher for Wessex Music and Perrott Hill School.
"I grew up in Dorchester where I played the horn and piano with many local groups including the Durnovaria Silver Band, Weymouth Operatic and one of Dorset Sinfonia's earlier incarnations, the Weymouth Arts Centre Orchestra.
“I pursued my love of music, going on to play horn with ensembles such as the Alexandra Brass Quintet, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, ROUT contemporary music ensemble and the National Pops Orchestra. Along the way I have taught brass and piano and conducted a number of groups including a salsa band on Guernsey. It was also Guernsey that provided me with my partner and the Sinfonia with its leader, violinist (and string teacher) Rachel Greenwood.
“Now, some 15 years into my return to Dorset as well as my teaching and horn playing (sometimes as a BSO extra), and in addition to now conducting the Sturminster Newton Orchestra and Weymouth Concert Band, I find myself still heading up the lovely Dorset Sinfonia. We have pulled in all sorts of local solo talent over the years, such as the legendary Duncan Honeybourne, as well as collaborating with various choirs - in recent years the Christmas concert with Weymouth Choral becoming something of a favourite." - David Ansell, Musical Director.
LEADER
Rachel Greenwood has been the Leader of the orchestra since 2010.
Rachel started playing violin at the age of 8 in Staffordshire. She remembers it cost her parents £2 for the loan of the instrument and tuition for a whole year! She went on to study in Liverpool where she was awarded a first in performance. Her teaching and playing career has seen her journey from Liverpool to Guernsey, then to Northamptonshire, and she is now settled in Dorset.
As well as leading the Dorset Sinfonia, rachel plays in many other quartets and orchestras on violin and viola. Her most recent project is playing on authentic baroque violin and viola with South West Baroque Orchestra and other smaller ensembles.
Rachel has been teaching violin and viola in both the state and independent sectors for many years. When her son was tiny, she took on a baby and toddler music class, ‘DO RE MI time’, which is still going strong 11 years later. She feels privileged to enjoy such a varied working week exploring a wide range of music genres and platforms.
HISTORY