The Kensington Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1965, is one of London’s leading amateur orchestras. Noted for its high standards of musicianship it provides opportunities for advanced players of all ages to perform works from the classical and modern repertoire, including pieces that are rarely heard in the concert hall.
The KPO’s founder and first conductor, Roger Gabriel with Hugh Bean (Violin) c.1982. (picture courtesy of Richard Grigsby)
In 1965, Roger Gabriel, Professor of Counterpoint and Harmony at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama founded the orchestra, together with Marjorie Robinson, his first leader. His vision was to create a platform for some of his most talented students to have the opportunity not only to perform with a high-quality orchestra, but also to widen their repertoire with lesser-known works - something the orchestra continues to do to this day. He was integral with the early development of soloists such as Iona Brown and Benjamin Luxon. Roger brought his own musicality to the programmes with his arrangements for many of the works performed. He retired from conducting in 2000.
Roger was succeeded as conductor by Alexander Briger until Mark Fitz-Gerald took over in 2002 until 2020. The orchestra benefited enormously from Mark’s musicianship and deep commitment to the orchestra and its members. Mark is a much-recorded Shostakovich specialist and, unsurprisingly, performances of Shostakovich’s symphonies and other pieces were highlights of his tenure.
In 2020, Claudio Di Meo was appointed as Musical Director, and very quickly brought his boundless enthusiasm, leadership qualities and exceptional musicianship to KPO. The orchestra’s professional leader, Abigail Dance, has been with the orchestra since 2015. KPO continues to attract and retain talented musicians, several of whom are present or former music teachers and students.
At KPO, there is a well-established ethos of collaboration and transparency, with major decisions being taken based on feedback from the members of the orchestra. Repertoire ranges from popular to unusual. Our programming seeks to ensure that both audience attendance and player engagement remains high. The orchestra has, from time to time, teamed up with choral societies, including in 2023 for a memorable performance with the Civil Service Choir of the Brahms Requiem at Smith Square Hall.
In line with its founder’s vision, the orchestra continues to support emerging new talent such as Laura Ayoub (violin), Fenella Humphries (violin), Joel Ashford (horn), Tim Lowe (cello) and Lucilla Mariotti (violin). We also enjoy many opportunities to play with well-established soloists, such as Melina Mandozzi (violin), Thomas Carroll (cello), Jonathan Ayling (cello), Pip Eastop (horn), Milos Karadaglic (guitar) and Betty Makharinsky (soprano). In a recent development, the KPO has established a partnership with the Royal College of Music, providing at least one concerto opportunity each season for an outstanding RCM student.
In its earlier years, the orchestra performed with legendary figures from British musical life, such as Iona Brown, Jack Brymer, Hugh Bean, Eileen Croxford and Benjamin Luxon.
KPO rehearses every Monday evening during school term time at St Gabriel's Pimlico, 30 Warwick Square, London SW1V 2AD between 19:00 and 21:30. We also have a rehearsal on a concert day at the concert venue. The KPO’s season runs between September and the end of June every year and generally comprises three concerts per season – usually in November, March and June. Our main concert venue is Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, Chelsea SW3 5EE.