Founded in 2016 by award-winning composer and conductor William Goodchild, the Bristol Symphony Orchestra is a vibrant ensemble bringing together some of the most talented non-professional musicians from across the region, alongside a number of professional players. In a short time, the orchestra has established a reputation as one of the leading non-professional symphony orchestras in the UK, known for the ambition of its programming and the quality of its performances.
Robert Weaver was appointed Music Director in 2022. Under his leadership, BSO continues to reach wide and diverse audiences through imaginative programmes that reflect the orchestra’s versatility and musical depth. The orchestra champions symphonic music as a living art form, creating performances that delight the spirit, engage the mind, and spark curiosity. Artistry, community, and joy sit at the heart of everything BSO does.
BSO performs regularly in the world-class acoustic of St George’s Bristol and also appears frequently at Clifton Cathedral. The orchestra has been proud to take part in the Clifton International Festival of Music, alongside a growing presence in Bristol’s wider cultural life.
Recent highlights include performances with internationally renowned soloists such as Jennifer Pike, Rebecca Evans, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Ryan Wang, Helen Charlston, and Gareth Brynmor John. The orchestra has also developed a distinctive strand of cross-genre collaboration, working with acclaimed jazz artists including Andy Sheppard and Get the Blessing. BSO has a strong commitment to contemporary music, giving world premieres of works by living composers including John Pickard and Sam Foster. In November 2022, the orchestra performed the world premiere of Sam Foster’s original score to Dracula (1931) at a sold-out live screening at St George’s Bristol, and gave the first performance of Adrian Sutton’s War Horse suite following his death.
The orchestra’s repertoire spans the symphonic tradition and beyond, from Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner, to composers such as Jennifer Higdon, Dobrinka Tabakova, Amy Beach, John Pickard, and Philip Herbert.
BSO is chaired by Alasdair Price and supported by a dedicated committee drawn from the orchestra’s own players, who give their time and energy to ensure the orchestra continues to thrive. The orchestra operates on a rotational leadership basis, to ensure that as many players as possible have the opportunity to develop their skills.
The orchestra welcomes enquiries from high-standard players with relevant orchestral experience, who are accepted after a trial period playing in rehearsal.. We rehearse every other Monday during term time at Trinity United Reformed Church in Henleaze.
