WELCOME TO THE HAMPSHIRE RECORDER SINFONIA
The Recorder is one of the most quietly beautiful and remarkably adaptable instruments in the world. Ultimately, whatever its size, the mystique of the instrument lies in its paradox: it is simple yet profound, ancient and yet current, delicate yet powerful. In skilled hands it becomes astonishingly expressive and can portray sorrow, joy, mischief and serenity.
The recorder family spans multiple sizes of instrument from the bright and agile sopranino to the growling depths of the sub-contrabass, all of which play an essential role in Hampshire Recorder Sinfonia.
HRS's stunning performances over past years have undoubtedly engendered a new and positive public perception and appreciation of the recorder's extraordinary capabilities as a fine solo and orchestral instrument.
In 2026 a strong HRS is thriving under the inspirational leadership of its musical director, Helen Hooker, with whom it has enjoyed a long and special relationship, not only as a player but also as a soloist and Assistant MD. Monumentally talented, popular and highly respected in the wider recorder world, Helen spends her very busy working life combining conducting, teaching, and performing with The Parnassian Ensemble both at home and abroad.
While she has a special interest in 'live' recorder ensembles and orchestras, Helen also creates regular online recorder ensemble resources which can be viewed and downloaded from her website.
Follow HRS news and enjoy its lively daily presence on Facebook where an extensive range of players from around the world perform a wide variety of familiar and unfamiliar recorder music in interesting combinations.
Updated 18/2/26