Join In with Orchestra
Fortismere Community Symphony orchestra brings players of all ages together to create high-calibre music in a friendly and collaborative environment. The orchestra includes students, parents and teachers from Fortismere School, as well as members of the wider community of musicians in North London. We focus on large-scale works, as well as playing with well-renowned soloists from around the world. We suggest a minimum level of Grade 7 or some ensemble experience. If you are interested in getting involved, contact
We rehearse 7-9pm on Tuesday in Fortismere School. For term dates, click here, or get in touch to join.
Thomas Gregory
Community Symphony Orchestra Musical Director
Thomas Gregory studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in his hometown London. From then he received a fellowship to continue his studies at the University of Michigan, completing both a Masters and Specialist degree in cello performance studying with the eminent Danish Cellist Erling Bløndal Bengtsson. Thomas performs regularly as soloist with an extensive knowledge of the solo repertoire. As a member of the Marmara Piano Trio, he performs regular concerts throughout the year.
A Message from Thomas Gregory to Members, Summer 2021:
Dear FCSO members, welcome back!
After what seems like an interminably long time, we are back, carrying on from where we left
off, exactly a year ago this week. We have a slightly reduced schedule owing to the road map
as it currently stands. The plan is to perform without an interval, but with drinks before and after
on the lawn outside the church, weather permitting.
We start the concert with the new piece Ulveshale Strand, written for our programme last year.
This will be followed by the Brahms Double Concerto with Ashok Klouda and Alexander Sitkovetsky, two
phenomenal soloists who we are very lucky to get. To end we’ll return to the Strauss which we were forced to
abandon last year.
Sam Albermann is still in Germany and unable to lead, though he might make the last couple of rehearsals.
We are delighted to have Seleni Sewart who has agreed to lead. Seleni (Leni) is currently studying for her
post-graduate at the Royal Academy of Music and like Sam, formerly lead the London Schools Symphony
Orchestra.
The fee for this term will be £60 (£40 students/pupils) to help us cover our costs, which may be under strain
if we are made to perform to a reduced capacity audience. If you know that you will not be able to participate
in the concert, please let use know as soon as possible so we can ensure all the parts are covered.
Here is our schedule:
CONCERT on 3rd July, 7:30pm at St. Andrew’s Church, N10 2DD.
Gregory: Ulveshale Strand
Brahms: Double Concerto
R. Strauss: Death and Transfiguration
Tue 18 May 7-9pm FMC Strauss, Gregory
Tue 25 May 7-9pm FMC Sectionals 1st half, tutti 2nd half. Strauss
Tue 1 June NO REHEARSAL!
Tue 8 June 7-9pm FMC TBC
Tue 15 June 7-9pm FMC TBC
Tue 22 June 7-9pm FMC TBC
Tue 29 June 7-9pm FMC TBC
Fri 2 July 7-9pm FMC tbc Brahms with soloists
Sat 3 July 2.30pm/7.30pm CONCERT, St. Andrew’s Church.