Theater Orchestra becomes...
Flevoland Philharmonic Orchestra

The curtain has fallen for the Theater orchestra but they continue in a new form, the Flevoland Philharmonic Orchestra (FlePhO). The Theater Orchestra was started in 2016 by honorary conductor Hans Welle as a project orchestra for adults. The orchestra accompanied productions of theater companies, choirs, operetta associations, etc. The basic line-up was that of a chamber orchestra and participants were expected to have a very high level of playing.

The number of rehearsals differed per production. The intention was that participants mastered the pieces after a single rehearsal in order to work with e.g. singers during a next rehearsal.

Starting 2023/2024 the Theater Orchestra continues as the FlePhO. Curious about the way the FlePhO works? Have a look on the website of the Flevolands Philharmonisch Orchestra.

Hans Welle is the founder of the Almeers Youth Symphony Orchestra. He studied piano and conducting at the Hilversum Conservatory with a minor in saxophone. In 1986, Hans started teaching as a piano teacher at the center for arts  de Kunstlinie' (then known as Stichting Culturele en Kunstzinnige Vorming). In 1987 he started an ensemble that has since grown into a symphony orchestra with eighty musicians.

After the closure of the Kunstlinie, the orchestras continued independently in the AJSO Foundation. Today, Hans is honorary conductor and coordinator of the ensembles within the AJSO foundation.

In 2016, Hans started a project orchestra within the AJSO foundation. This theater orchestra accompanied productions of theater companies, choirs, musical associations, etc.

In 2012, Hans received the Bonifatius pin, Almere's highest award, for his efforts for the city.

In addition to his work for the AJSO foundation, Hans is active as a workshop leader, guest conductor, arranger and conductor in musical productions.