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Solihull Symphony Orchestra is a lively and enthusiastic group of non-professional musicians who enjoy taking on the challenge of a diverse and varied repertoire. Our members span an age range from under 18 to over 80.

The orchestra began life as an evening class in Solihull, becoming Knowle Sinfonia in 1990 with the late Malcolm Peters as its conductor. In January 2005, the orchestra changed its name to the Solihull Symphony Orchestra, and since 2014 the Mayor of Solihull has been our Honorary Patron.

Martin Leigh became the orchestra’s first professional Music Director in 2001. Between 2013 and 2023 Jon Malaxetxebarria was Music Director and Principal Conductor.

 

Membership

Membership of the orchestra is by subscription and is subject to conditions as described in the Rules and Constitution. There are no formal auditions or entry requirements, although players will normally be expected to have had some orchestral experience. However, a willingness to learn and a commitment to attend Tuesday evening rehearsals regularly are equally important.

Instrumentalists interested in joining the orchestra are invited to contact us. We also welcome enquiries for short term membership – if you’re studying here for a year, or on a short term work placement for example ?

Our Next Concert

Shirley Methodist Church, Stratford Road, B90 3AL

Bruckner 200

Saturday 23 November, 15:30 

Borodin – In the Steppes of Central Asia
Tchaikovsky – Eugene Onegin – Waltz
Tchaikovsky – Eugene Onegin – Polonaise
Bruckner – Symphony no 4 – Romantic (E flat major)

Guest Conductor – Richard Jenkinson

Tickets will available from EventBrite in October, from orchestra members, or on the door on the day of the concert, subject to availability. Please aim to arrive early to get good seats!

Venue Location   | Future Concert Dates

Programmes for most of our recent concerts are now on the Archives page

News

September 2022

Rehearsals start on Tuesday 6 September at Shirley Methodist Church for our next concert on 25 November with guest conductor Keith Slade. We’ll be performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Anne Bolt, Copland – Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, Debussy – Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un faune and Dvorak – The Golden Spinning Wheel. Music …

Summer Term 2022

Rehearsals for our Summer Concert start on Tuesday 26 April at Shirley Methodist Church with guest conductor Richard Jenkinson. The concert focuses on the links between European and black American music in the early 20th century. The programme features works by Edward Elgar and Frederick Delius, who was born in Bradford, but spent several years …

Contact

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening from 19.30 until 21.45 during term time, with at least three concert performances each year. In addition our occasional Rising Stars concerts provide an opportunity for talented young local musicians to compose for or perform with the orchestra.

If you are interesting in joining, would like to buy tickets or can help us to promote our concerts please contact us. Or why not subscribe to our free mailing list?

General Enquiries  info@solihullsymphony.org.uk

Committee 2023-24

Chair :  David Evans  ~ double bass
Treasurer :  David Roper ~ 1st violin
Membership :  Louise Robertson  ~ cello
Librarian :  Marina Battey ~ 1st violin
Publicity and Social Media :  Manisha Chauhan  ~ 1st violin
Concert Manager :  John Maxwell ~ 2nd violin
Orchestra Manager:  Stephen Mayes ~ horn
Additional Member: Sarah Vaughan – oboe
Additional Member: Joanna Clarke – viola