Testimonials
Since 1957 the Rehearsal Orchestra has helped thousands of musicians excel in their playing.
"I played trumpet in Beethoven 9 with the Rehearsal Orchestra during my first term at music college, and the high standard was an eye-opener. I met people who gave me good advice and and I heard some inspiring players. During the next few years, the RO built up my orchestral knowledge and experience in a way no music college could. When I came to play the pieces in a performance context I was so thankful to have played them with the RO first. I recommend the RO to anyone looking to learn orchestral parts in a professional-style environment. It's so well run it feels like sitting in a professional orchestra but the conductors always smile! The students and young professional players of the future should be able to enjoy the same opportunities I have had with the RO."
"The Rehearsal Orchestra does invaluable work on the quiet and with the minimum of fuss. An extraordinary number of British musicians have worked in it, and I myself was a timpanist with the orchestra for a time. It gives musicians an invaluable opportunity to work and learn music at the speed they will have to reproduce in their professional lives."
Sir Simon RattleRO Patron
"I learnt lots about being efficient in rehearsal; blending as part of a section; my own bow distribution; and even ways to make clear pencil markings in the parts! I would be very interested in taking part again, and would highly recommend to colleagues at the college."
Violin studentCo-principal bursary scheme
"The experience gained with the RO made my transition to the professional world of the London Philharmonic a smooth and confident one. The invaluable help and the discipline given to us students by a practising orchestral musician, namely Harry Legge, has been to the benefit of all the major orchestras throughout Britain."
Jim McLeodFormer RO leader and prize winner, 1982
"Priceless moments with the RO, such as passed down traditions in orchestral violin playing techniques, continue to help me for example when I’m involved in the coaching of youth orchestras like The National Children’s Orchestras, and I expect such youngsters to eventually play in the RO & pro bands too – full circle, job done, top organisation!"
Adrian CharlesworthFreelance violinist; RO alumnus and former Trustee
"It was good to work on orchestral works and get them up to a good standard in a short space of time. It was valuable to sit next to professionals and learn from them. It’s a good opportunity to learn the repertoire, and in a friendly environment. Rehearsal Orchestra was really well-organised and welcoming."
Postgraduate violinRoyal Northern College of Music
"There was no pampering because they were amateurs. They had to go in at the deep end, like professionals."
"It was wonderful to play with such good players under a conductor who knew exactly what he wanted and (I hope) managed to get it in such an amiable way."
Clarinet
"I loved my weekend with you all. There is a tremendous spirit and enjoyment about everything that enables wonders to be achieved. Long may you thrive!"
Sir Mark Elder
"Music Colleges in the late 1960s did not provide the sophisticated orchestral education current now and so the two summers I spent in the Edinburgh Rehearsal orchestra under the direction of Harry Legge were the best preparation I received for my subsequent orchestral career. I particularly remember playing Shostakovich 8 and Mahler 9. I also had a very good time!"
"It ranks up in the top 10 orchestral experiences for me."
Double bass
"I thoroughly enjoyed the repertoire which pushed me outside my comfort zone (Walton, Martinů) and introduced me to music I probably wouldn’t have explored/learned otherwise."
Cello
"Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed last week in Edinburgh! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to play all these amazing symphonic works with your magnificent orchestra."
Trumpet
"If anything from this list ever comes up in my career, I will just be so much more confident going into that first rehearsal. It's also been really helpful for my sight reading. It doesn't feel like pressure because it's a calm non-pressured environment here."
Postgraduate clarinetRoyal Welsh College of Music and Drama
"Last year, I spent about the same amount as for the weekend course to hear LSO play Turangalîla. But over the weekend it was far more interesting and enjoyable to get to know the piece from the inside."
Celesta
"My association with the Rehearsal Orchestra goes back several years and I’m particularly thrilled that, since 2024, we have added a new Manchester residency in the splendid surroundings of Hallé St Peter’s in order to bring our particular brand of music-making to instrumentalists in the North West. There is a wonderful spirit generated by like-minded people coming together to tackle demanding and technically difficult key repertoire with real gusto and enthusiasm, which is totally infectious and I have to confess I always enjoy our collaborations. I cannot recommend the Rehearsal Orchestra highly enough to students, semi-professional players and keen gifted amateurs alike who I’m sure benefit hugely from the uplifting experience that RO's intense live music-making brings."
"I really appreciate how organised it was and that communication was always clear."
ViolinRoyal Welsh College of Music and Drama
"Thank you for the opportunity to play in the Shostakovich last weekend. Ahead of time I wasn’t sure, but I found it an immensely rewarding experience and got to appreciate some incredible music that I would never be able to play elsewhere."
Bassoon
"The choice of repertoire was really great and I loved the close interaction with the conductors."
HarpRoyal Conservatoire of Scotland
"The Rehearsal Orchestra process is great fun! It is a fantastic way to get a handle on new repertoire in a supportive environment, while testing out one's own skills. Interacting with musicians from all over the country who in their daily lives specialise in a variety of careers provides a unique element to the experience."
CelloPlay ON bursary scheme
"It is always such a pleasure to play with the Rehearsal Orchestra! Not only do we play through some fantastic core repertoire, but I also get to learn from fantastic people that have such wide range of experience! It is a very heart-warming and enriching experience. The rehearsals are well-organised, the schedule well-structured (not too heavy, just about right), the people are fantastic and the concern to make those involved feel comfortable is touching."
Viola studentCo-principal bursary scheme
"All of the section leaders and conductors were extremely welcoming and helpful in navigating the different repertoire presented over the course of the week. I'd like to once again thank the Rehearsal Orchestra and its funders for granting me the opportunity to take part in this year's Edinburgh residential course."
"I've recommended the Edinburgh course to quite a lot of my friends as it's quite rare to come across opportunities to play just that much rep and I really loved it."
ClarinetRoyal Birmingham Conservatoire
"I felt able to make mistakes as the conductors were very understanding and patient - I never felt criticised, but instead supported in getting the particular passage correct."
FluteRoyal Welsh College of Music and Drama
"Wow, what an experience. Absolutely exhausting but thoroughly exhilarating."
Oboe
"There was a real lovely, warm, communal feel throughout the entire week."
Postgraduate violinGuildhall School of Music and Drama
"It was wonderful to be part of such a large, capable and responsive group of musicians! I'm rarely able to play with a group at such a high level and I very much enjoyed the level of challenge."
Violin
"It's been a wonderful experience and I've learnt quite a bit in the rehearsal. The whole workshop is challenging but also fun to work with, and it has pushed me to be better and prepare much more in detail. I would love to join again and would recommended to my peers."
"Nothing to improve on. Everything moved smoothly like clockwork."
Postgraduate violinGuildhall School of Music and Drama
"I love the opportunity to play big works I would never otherwise see."
Double bass
"The atmosphere is both welcoming and focussed, with each musician truly putting their best efforts into the project."
ViolinPlay ON bursary scheme
"Getting to play such a high standard of repertoire as an aspiring professional is absolutely invaluable."
Oboe
"I was made to feel very welcome, everything was really well organised, there was a great vibe amongst the players, lovely venue and a great piece of music."
Violin
"I had such a great time on both days! I thought it was great to be able to play through the Don Juan as part of a full orchestra rather than practising the excerpt in my room by myself. It certainly put things in perspective and it helped me understand where my part fit in."
"Practising without the requirement of excessive preparation has been an invaluable experience towards preparing me for my aspirations to join the professional music industry. Furthermore, the relaxing but informed leadership helped me musically and with my confidence."
French hornPlay ON bursary scheme
"It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to play with the Rehearsal Orchestra on the Co-principal bursary scheme. Having the experience of sharing a desk with a full time professional and working through challenging repertoire as they shared experiences and insights was invaluable. It was also great to meet other like-minded people who were interested in challenging themselves to such a high standard whilst maintaining a friendly environment. I had a fantastic time over the weekend and hope I can be involved in more events in the future!"
Cello studentCo-principal bursary scheme
"I am also very grateful to the organisation for offering these bursary-funded schemes; I think it would really help so many young musicians trying to gain valuable playing experience."
Violin studentPlay ON bursary scheme