Bridge Ensemble Leeds are a friendly, well-established orchestra rehearsing on Tuesday evenings in north Leeds at Harehills Lane Baptist Church.
ORIGINS
Many of our present orchestra members were part of the Community Symphony Orchestra run by the (then) Leeds College of Music. Amidst the inevitable problems created by lockdown, the college ended the community ensembles. However, during the summer of 2020, orchestra members regrouped and worked together to create a new ensemble to continue our playing – under the name ‘Bridge’.
As soon as possible a small group of string players began to rehearse inside regulation two-metre circles in old Bridge Street Church in Leeds – and, as restrictions relaxed, we grew!
OUR JOURNEY
Ben Crick became conductor of the Community Symphony Orchestra in 2013, and agreed to pick up the baton for us again as we navigated covid restrictions and learned how to run an orchestra on our own. Ben led us through nine years of great music: symphonies, suites and concertos, operas and overtures, and a memorable Remembrance Sunday at the Royal Armouries.
In January 2023 we welcomed William Dutton to take over the role of conductor. Over the last three years we have played a wide variety of music, grown as an ensemble, and had wonderful opportunities to play with some hugely talented soloists. William has encouraged us to work hard, and pushed us forward to be better, braver players.
Under the guidance of Ben we re-established ourselves; and during the past three years, under the leadership of William, we have consolidated as players and in reputation.