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WELCOME TO THE

DORSET ACCORDION ORCHESTRA (D.A.O.)

Creating music & memories through friendship & laughter

Based in Bournemouth Dorset, the D.A.O. is a group of passionate accordion players who come together weekly to create and perform music in a warm friendly safe environment.

With over 20 members playing a range of different styles of music including classical, contemporary, musicals and music from around the world, our ethos is to play, perform and promote the accordion instrument throughout the South of England with a smile.

Do you play the accordion?

Would you like to play along with others?

Are you looking for a new challenge?

Can you play the piano and would like to try something new?

Are you an accomplished percussionist?

If any of the above strike a chord with you, reach out to us, we would love to hear from you!   

Dorset Accordion Orchestra
Dorset Accordion Orchestra

RECENT & UPCOMING SHOWS

Saturday 9th March 2024 : St James' Church, Alderholt : PUBLIC

Saturday 9th December 2023 : Christmas Concert : St Andrew's Church, Kinson : PUBLIC

Thursday 16th November 2023 : Ladies Friendship Group : PRIVATE

Tuesday 10th October 2023 : Ferndown Blind Club : PRIVATE

Saturday 15th July 2023 : Retired Nurses National Home : PRIVATE

Saturday 8th July 2023 : Joint Summer Concert With The Kennet Accordion Orchestra : St Andrew's Church, Kinson : PUBLIC

Friday 16th June 2023 : Amazing Greys Club, Kinson : PRIVATE

Thursday 25th May 2023 : Trefoil Club, Ferndown : PRIVATE

Monday 3rd April 2023 : Streets Meadows Care Home, Wimborne : PRIVATE

Saturday 10th December 2022 : St Andrew's Church, Kinson : PUBLIC

Thursday 1st December 2022 : Go Ahead Ladies Club, Broadstone : PRIVATE

Monday 21st November 2022 : Streets Meadows Care Home, Wimborne : PRIVATE

Friday 11th November 2022 : Riverdale Court, Christchurch : PRIVATE

Friday 7th October 2022 : Over 60's Club, Poole : PRIVATE

REHEARSALS

The orchestra rehearses in the hall of St Andrew's Church in Kinson, Bournemouth every Monday evening, meeting at 6:30pm and rehearsing between 7:00pm to 8:45pm with a short break.  It is a very spacious hall with superb acoustics and clean amenities, along with a large car park with good access.  Please drop in and see us!

St Andrew's Church Hall, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LN. 

PERFORMANCES

The orchestra performs concerts and shows at various venues and events throughout the year.  Each performance is specifically tailored to the individual audiences and can include solos and duets if appropriate.  If you would like the orchestra to perform at your event, please contact us below and Graham, our bookings manager will be in touch swiftly.

FOR SALE

A selection of accordion and music accessories for sale by our members and friends.

Andy Hague | Dorset Accordion Orchestra

MEET OUR MUSICAL DIRECTOR - ANDY HAGUE

Andy began his musical journey at the tender age of 3, being able to read and write music before being able to read a book!  Studying the accordion along with the cornet, organ and percussion, he spent his youth playing in brass bands and accordion orchestras whilst progressing through the grades and competing in regional and national competitions and festivals.

His professional career has seen him travel the world as a singer, yodeller and  accordionist whilst entertaining in such venues as the Birmingham NEC and the  Bournemouth International Centre, along with orchestral work in London's Royal Parks and Cameron Macintosh's show 'Oliver!' in the London Palladium.

His career came to a sudden stop in the summer of 2013, suffering a severe stroke at the age of 37.  With an uncertain future ahead, Andy was forced to give up singing and playing the keys to focus on his recovery.

Fast forward to late 2019, Andy was encouraged to pick up the accordion again by his good friend, and then D.A.O Musical Director Sammie Peckover.  After playing with the orchestra for a short time, Sammie passed the MD Baton to Andy in 2020 reigniting his passion for music once again.

"It is simply a delight to direct the orchestra.  The members are fantastic and there is such a lovely relaxed atmosphere in our rehearsals.  Although I have studied through the ranks and grades, I really lean more towards my performing experiences and drawing on the emotions of the audiences when working with the orchestra.  If we enjoy our rehearsals/concerts and our audiences leave with a smile, then we are achieving our goal."

Andy does provide private lessons on the accordion from his base in Poole or via Zoom over the internet.  If this is of interest please reach out to Andy via the contact form below or give him a call : 07976 850418.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, queries or enquiries please reach out to us via the contact form below and we will be in touch asap.  Alternatively, you can message us through our Facebook page.

Many thanks, we will be in touch swiftly.

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