Bristol Based Orchestras
Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra
BHCO was formed in 1987 to bring together the best musicians in the South West and Bristol area to perform at a professional standard. We collaborate with some of the most inspiring conductors and soloists on the UK circuit today. Our players come from all walks of life and comprise both professionals and committed amateurs. In the week before our concerts, we meet for a series of intensive rehearsals, culminating in high-quality performances of varied and challenging repertoire, which are hugely rewarding for our audiences, conductors, soloists, and players. We're proud to be considered one of the finest orchestras of our type in the UK.
Conductor: Guest conductors
Rehearsals: A week of rehearsals prior to the concert.
Player ability: Grade 8 and above
Audition: No
Contact: Katie McConochie / info@bhco.co.uk / 07786 190653
Bristol CoMA
CoMA Bristol (Contemporary Music for All) is an inclusive, local ensemble for musicians of all backgrounds and abilities that performs cutting-edge contemporary music
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:15pm - 9:15pm, Victoria Rooms, Queen's Rd, Bristol, BS8 1SA
Player ability: All abilities
Audition: No
Contact: bristol@coma.org
The Bristol Chamber Orchestra
Bristol Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1963 by a small group of amateur musicians who made music for their own enjoyment and gave invitation concerts. Over the years the membership has increased to about 30 players, several of whom are professionally qualified.
The orchestra gives five or six public performances a year, occasionally combining with other instrumentalists and/or singers to perform symphonies, concertos and choral works.
Conductor: Sebastian See-Schierenberg
Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Bristol Grammar School, University Road, BS8 1SR
Player ability: Composed of dedicated local musicians alongside several professionally trained players
Audition: No
Contact: secretary@bristolchamberorchestra.org.uk
The Brigstowe Village Band
We are modelled on the village bands from Thomas Hardy’s day when local musicians played for all the local gatherings and celebrations. We play lively upbeat traditional tunes of the British Isles, including songs, words and dances to reflect the origins of the music. We perform at events such as fairs, street parties, harvest festivals and concerts.
Rehearsals: Updated on website
Player ability: All abilities
Audition: No
Contact: bvb.committee@gmail.com
The Bristol Concert Orchestra
The orchestra is made up of talented amateur players and stages three main concerts per year at St George’s Bristol (or periodically other venues such as St Mary Redcliffe Church and Bristol Beacon). Repertoire is concentrated on large-scale symphonic works from the late romantic period onward, and concertos with accomplished and internationally known soloists such as Matthew Barley and Ashley Wass in recent years.
Conductor: Alex Mackinder
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Ashton Park School, Bristol
Player ability: Grade 7 and above
Audition: Trial rehearsal
Contact: strings-coordinator@bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk
Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra
Step into a world of vibrant sound and shared artistry with the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, one of the city’s most dynamic amateur orchestras. Known for it’s spirited performances and inclusive ethos, the BMO brings together talented musicians from across the region to present bold and beautiful concerts that captivate audiences of all ages.
Conductor: Tim Harrison
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:30pm - 10:00pm, Alma Church, 29 Alma Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2ES
Player ability: Grade 8 and above
Audition: Trial rehearsal
Contact: 0117 923 7756 / mail@bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com
Bristol Millennium Orchestra
We are a non-auditioning orchestra who strive for beauty in our communal playing. We are always keen to hear from new players. If there are currently no vacancies for your instrument we do run an Interested Musicians and Dep list.
Conductor: Graham Bull, John Pitts
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Cotham School, Cotham Lawn Rd, Cotham, BS6 6DT
Players ability: Grade 6-8 and above
Audition: No
Contact: Message via website
Bristol Orchestral Players
Bristol orchestral players was formed in 1963 by a small group of musical friends at Southmead Hospital. Since then it has expanded into a fun and friendly group of musicians of differing ages and experience drawn from Bristol and beyond. We play for the pleasure of working on and getting to know the orchestral repertoire.
Conductor: Nicola Ashton
Rehearsals: Sundays (once a month) 6:30pm - 9:30pm, St.Peter’s Church Hall, The Drive, Henleaze, BS9 4LD
Player ability: All abilities
Audition: No
Contact: Joanna Mellors (Secretary) / joannamellors34@gmail.com
Bristol Reggae Orchestra
Established in 2010 we are a group of amateur musicians under professional music direction who meet regularly to rehearse and perform music of Jamaican origin. We bring together a culturally, ethnically and socially diverse group of community musicians, composers and arrangers from Bristol.
Rehearsals: Every other Monday 6:45pm - 9:15pm, The Rose Green Centre, 65 Gordon Road, Whitehall, BS5 7DR
Player ability: All abilities
Audition: No
Contact: orchestramembership@bristolreggaeorchestra.com
Bristol Symphony Orchestra
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.
Conductor: Robert Weaver
Rehearsals: Every other Monday 7:30pm to 10:00pm, Trinity-Henleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT
Player ability: Grade 7 and above
Audition: Trial rehearsal
Contact: Bristol-Symphony@outlook.com
Brunel Sinfonia
Whether you’ve taken a shine to Shostakovich or delight in Debussy, we’re here to offer you the best in Bristol’s amateur orchestral performances. Whenever we have room, we welcome new players. If you'd like to play great music with a group of supportive and sociable musicians, we'd like to hear from you. The orchestra is made up of between 80 and 90 people but we can cope with 100, so do get in touch.
Conductor: Simon Hilberding
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:15, Trinity Academy, Romney Avenue, Lockleaze, BS7 9BY
Player ability: Grade 7 and above
Audition: No
Contact: Message via website
Hotwells Music Workshop
Hotwells Music Workshop is a community organisation based in Hotwells, Bristol, that has provided a forum for amateur music-making in chamber groups since 1971. Hotwells Music Workshop welcomes new members. It is suitable for almost any player of an orchestral instrument who wants to play chamber music – though it isn't suitable for complete beginners who can't read music.
Conductor: Guest conductors
Rehearsals: Thursday evenings, Hotwells Primary School, BS8 4ND
Player ability: All abilities, but must be able to read music
Audition: No
Contact: Sue Otty 0117 927 9688 / Sarah Burns 0117 973 0696 / hotwellsmw@googlemail.com
Keynsham Orchestra
We are a well-established amateur orchestra who play multiple concerts every year. KO was founded over half a century ago to provide opportunities for amateur musicians of all ages to play a wide variety of orchestral repertoire. We are a welcoming and friendly community with an active social calendar, and are always looking for new members and opportunities.
Conductor: Philip Draisey
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9:30pm, St Dunstan’s Church, Keynsham, BS31 2BQ
Player ability: Grade 5 and above
Audition: No
Contact: Message via website
Long Ashton Orchestra
We are a friendly orchestra playing a wide variety of classical music. LAO prides itself on being inclusive of all players, while at the same time aiming high. Many of our players have been regular members for many years, and enjoy not only the music making, but also the social life of the orchestra.
Conductor: Chris Holley
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Church House, 74 Long Aston Road, Long Ashton, BS41 9LE
Player ability: Grade 6 and above
Audition: No
Contact: val.williams.longashton@gmail.com
Longwell Green Orchestra
Longwell Green Orchestra is a friendly community orchestra based in Bristol, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. Founded in 1921, the orchestra brings together amateur musicians to rehearse and perform a wide repertoire in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Conductor: Mark Sterlini Smith
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road, Longwell Green, BS30 9DU
Player ability: All abilities
Audition: No
Contact: contact@longwellgreenorchestra.org.uk
North Somerset Philharmonia
North Somerset Philharmonia was formed in 1995 as the Nailsea Concert Orchestra and has been performing classical favourites in North Somerset ever since. In October 2023, the members voted to change the orchestra name to North Somerset Philharmonia. This reflects the wider repertoire that we now perform and will make it easier for the orchestra to encourage players and audience from further afield. Our members span a wide age range and all share a great passion and enthusiasm for playing music.
Conductor: Philip Draisey
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Nailsea Methodist Church, 74 Silver Street, Nailsea, BS48 2DS
Player ability: Grade 5 and above
Audition: No
Contact: info@nsphilharmonia.org.uk
New Bristol Sinfonia
The New Bristol Sinfonia is one of the leading amateur symphony orchestras in the UK. Founded in 1997 by Jonathan James, we typically put on 3-4 concerts a year in various large venues in and around Bristol. We have recently fostered an association with Redmaids' High School and have performed in their gala concerts with illustrious soloists.
Conductor: Thomas Blunt
Rehearsals: Weeks leading up to concert, venue given to members
Player ability: Grade 8 and above
Audition: Yes
Contact: Message via website
Thornbury Orchestra
Thornbury Orchestra is an amateur orchestra based in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire.
We represent an enthusiastic group of musicians who strive to produce high-quality classical music for the benefit of local audiences.
Conductor: Chris Hill
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:45pm - 9:45pm, St Helen’s Church, Gloucester Road, Alveston, BS35 3QT
Player ability: Grade 5 and above
Audition: No
Contact: membership@thornburyorchestra.org.uk
West Bristol Orchestra
The West Bristol Orchestra is a small, friendly, amateur orchestra, ideal for anyone who is new to orchestral playing, wants to come back to it after time away, or just wants some additional, relaxed playing alongside other music-making. The orchestra does not give concerts, so the stress of public performance is avoided, but we do sometimes record ourselves at the end of a season so that we have something to work towards.
Conductor: Sam Bristow
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7:15pm - 9:15pm, St Peters Church, 17 The Drive, Henleaze, BS9 4LD
Player ability: Grade 5 and above
Audition: No
Contact: Kathryn Robinson / kathrynrobinson24@gmail.com
Westbury Park Orchestra
The Westbury Park Orchestra aims to provide an opportunity to make music with others in a friendly atmosphere, and for lapsed players to dust down their instruments and play in a group setting.
Conductor: Joe Galuszka
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Oatley Hall, St Monica’s Trust, Cote Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3UN
Player ability: Grade 5 and above
Audition: No
Contact: westburyparkorchestra@gmail.com