What you should know about us...
Adhoc Humanitarians Orchestra is a non-profit making, charity fundraising orchestra, set up by musicians for musicians to play music in riotous atmospheres and have some fun, being virtuous.

Not a single person gets payment in any way, not even expenses. Everyone donates time, playing ability, expertise and enthusiasm, for free. Even the venue gets short shrift. We try to borrow as much music, or hijack as many percussion instruments as possible.

However, as far as the participants are concerned, the main goal of the evening is to move swiftly to the subsidised post-concert party, which is funded from private donations, and is the thank you to all involved.

The founder, Eleanor Merton, is a viola player but has a background of orchestral organising and political rabble rousing. Last concert, we borrowed two LSO players, and this time round we hope to spread the net to other professional orchestras, where players want to do something that feels nicer than just plodding through all the old favourites for diminishing returns. The feel-good factor is enormous after our gigs.

We are at pains, however, not to tread on professional musicians' toes, and so we are careful not to be nabbing anyone's audience, or asking people to play who have no time, etc. We are not just another orchestra, for the sake of being an orchestra, we are here for a purpose, and that is to raise funds for worthy international projects. Think of it, perhaps as UN by Music.

We are always looking for more players. Since we work round everyone's professional commitments, it is rare that we shall get the same orchestra twice. There are no fixed and immoveable personnel, no auditions and no requirement for a return visit unless you want to. Also, if you don't like the charity for whom we are fundraising this time, don't feel you have to play this gig, try the next one.