A Friends of Rochester Cathedral event

An orchestral concert featuring the Rochester Symphony Orchestra.

“The City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra has been making music together since 1969. Originally known as a string orchestra called “Rochester Arts Orchestra” they became a full symphony orchestra in 1996. Some well known local instrumental teachers lead the sections of the orchestra and the rest are amateur players who have to be players of a high standard.

Peter Bassano is the present conductor and CRSO usually give three concerts a year in the Central Theatre , Chatham. Peter Bassano`s family are descended from Venetian musicians brought to England by King Henry VIII to his court. Peter is a very well known experienced conductor in this country and internationally, of orchestras and choirs, both professional and amateur. He was trained as a trombonist and singer at the Royal College of Music, where he became Professor of trombone and sackbutt, and was also Head of Brass there. He was a trombonist from 1973 in the Philharmonia Orchestra, and formed the quintet called Equale Brass, who toured the world, made seven recordings and made many first performances of works by British composers that Peter commissioned. Peter studied conducting with many well known conductors such as Sir John Eliot Gardiner and Sir Charles Mackerras and Bramwell Tovey. His work has included giving master classes, performing in festivals, and giving lectures in many Conservatoires and Universities across the world. CRSO are fortunate to have such a complete musician to conduct them.”