About us

With origins dating back to 1902, early association with the University and the Bach Choir, and some historic concerts directed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Oxford Symphony Orchestra has had a distinguished role in the life of Oxford city.

violinist

Today we are a professionally directed and led amateur orchestra that presents three principal concerts a year, performing exciting and often large-scale orchestral works which are otherwise rarely, if ever, heard in Oxford. With our present musical director Robert Max these have included Mahler's Symphony no.7, Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra and Britten's Cello Symphony.

We also undertake engagements to perform alongside or to accompany local choirs. Recently we have performed with Woodstock Choral Society and Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society, St Birinus School, Didcot, and Abingdon School.

violinist

With Robert Max we have built a firm reputation for working with some of the best names in classical music. Our Young Artists Partnership provides opportunities for musicians at the start of their careers to gain further experience of performing with an orchestra and professional conductor and helps more established young artists to extend their repertoire.

By performing with young and talented soloists, as well as with established artists, we gain the stimulus of working with outstanding musicians and also make a significant contribution to Oxford's musical life. Recent concerts have included memorable performances with renowned cellist Tim Hugh, stylish pianist Danny Driver, Guilhermina Suggia Gift winning student cellist Michael Petrov and rising star Jennifer Pike, 2002 winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year award.

You can read more about us in reviews of some of our recent concerts: Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov & Stravinsky, 'Movie Music' and Mahler 2 [pdf]. You can also see listings of our past concerts.