The original roots of the Orchestra go back to the Folkestone Municipal Orchestra, who regularly performed in the Leas Cliff Hall.  They were established in the early 1920’s as a very proficient local professional orchestra.  In 1932, local musician Mr. Alfred Dixon decided it was time that amateur players in Folkestone had their own orchestra and formed (and conducted) the Folkestone Amateur Orchestral Society. This ran alongside the Hythe Orchestral Society for a number of years. when the two orchestras finally merged in 1961, thus creating the Folkestone & Hythe Orchestral Society (FHOS) that we have today.  This is the official Registered Charity name for the orchestra, although we now perform under the name of 'Folkestone Symphony'.  

In 1930, shortly after the opening of the Leas Cliff Hall in 1927, an augmented Folkestone Municipal Orchestra gave a series of annual Music Festivals in this prestigious local venue, attracting guest conductors such as Sir Henry Wood, Dame Ethel Smythe and Susan Spain-Dunk.  Sir Edward Elgar was also due to conduct in the first of these concerts in 1930, but was sadly unable to attend due to ill health.  Susan Spain-Dunk is one of Folkestone's greatest musicians, whose works you will have heard us play from time to time.  Growing up in Folkestone, Susan became a renowned violinist, conductor and composer and was one of the earliest women conductors at the London Promenade Concerts.  We have had the privilege of working with Susan's family over the years and have managed to uncover and explore some of her previously forgotten works.  We are very pleased to say that her works are gradually being played more and getting the exposure they deserve.  

Today, very few towns can boast their own orchestra.  In recent years, we have earned some worthy reviews such as:

• "The reputation of Folkestone Symphony is clearly established well in the hearts of music lovers" (David Pestell)
• "Folkestone Symphony has built a substantial audience from its local community because of the quality of its music making" (Dr Berkeley Hill)

We are very fortunate in having two extremely talented musicians at the helm of the orchestra; Rupert Bond, our Conductor of 10 years, who has given us such fine directorship, and Floriane Peycelon, a very popular local Violinist and Violin Teacher, who has provided such excellent leadership over the past 24 years.  To both, we owe a huge debt of gratitude!

It is a sad fact, however, that many local residents are still unaware that Folkestone has its own orchestra, even though we have been in existence for 63 years.  In fact, Folkestone has been extremely privileged in having its own orchestra for over 100 years.  Plus the fact that Folkestone does have an official 'Music Town' status, which we should all be very proud of.

The orchestra today relies on members' subscriptions, ticket sales and donations from our Friends & Patrons which barely enables us to put on up to five concerts each year.  We are therefore particularly keen to encourage more Friends & Patrons as our running costs continue to grow.  Our Vice-Presidents are persons to whom the orchestra wishes to express special thanks and appreciation.  Please either go to our Friends & Patrons page or contact our Chairman, Derek Kemp or phone 01303 894635.

We have around 60 active playing members of all age groups, who are highly motivated and enjoy making music together.  Our membership takes in a wide catchment area all over South East Kent. We are a friendly group of musicians who meet up weekly to rehearse for the concerts.  We owe much of our continuing success to our enthusiastic members and also to the skills of both our conductor, Rupert Bond and our leader, Floriane Peycelon, who all work hard to give three main concerts a year in November, March and July, usually to very appreciative audiences.  Rupert and Floriane are both very fine musicians who push the members to give their best to the music, but who make our rehearsals both constructive and enjoyable.  We may also manage to give a Family Christmas concert and/or a Summer Prom.