Orchestra

Southern Pro Arte

One of the joys of being a member of
the Ware Choral Society is that over the years we have agreed to follow the
recommendations of Julian Williamson and his predecessor Robert Vivian in that we pursue a
policy of using large professional orchestras for the choir's major concerts.

The Southern Pro Arte have been performing with
the choir since 1991. Formed in 1981, the SPA is an eminently flexible organisation
ranging from a chamber ensemble to a full symphony orchestra. Marcus Dods was the artistic
director until his death in 1984. SPA performs mainly in the south and has become
particularly associated with British music, recording for Hyperion, and working with
conductors including Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Vernon Handley, Brian Wright, Charles Peeble and
Gregory Rose.