Star Chamber

As the Dorset Chamber Orchestra marks its 30th anniversary, Tim Smithers reveals the orchestra’s reputation for working with rising stars of the classical music scene

- Tim Smithers

 THIS autumn Dorset Chamber Orchestra (DChO) celebrates 30 years of live classical music performances in the county. DChO was founded by violinist and conductor Robert Jacoby in 1987 and rapidly established a reputation for a high standard of music making, with a particular emphasis on authentic musical performance. In 2015 Robert handed the baton (literally) to the current Music Director, Walter Brewster.

“One of the orchestra’s main aims, championed by Robert, has been to support the careers of young professional soloists,” says Walter. “We have been privileged to provide a concerto platform for more than 80 young musicians, some of whom are pursuing distinguished professional careers.”

Walter’s association with DChO goes back to the inaugural concert, as a clarinettist. He has been a concerto soloist with the orchestra on a number of occasions and he has performed with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Walter is also an accomplished pianist and worked for Dorset Music Service for over 25 years, which included directorship of the Dorset Youth Orchestra. He is therefore well qualified to develop DChO’s agenda of supporting the careers of young professional soloists, offering opportunities for talented young players to gain orchestral performance experience, and making classical music accessible to a younger audience.