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. By performing with young, highly talented, as well as well established soloists, we gain the stimulus of extending our repertoire with leading musicians as well as making a particular contribution to the musical life of the city.

We present three principal concerts a year. Major performances with our most recent musical directors have included Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and, with Robert Max, Mahler’s Symphony no.7 and Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra.

We also undertake other engagements to perform alongside or accompany local choirs.

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.

Our recent concerts have included memorable performances with renowned cellist Natalie Clein, the established young pianist Tom Poster, acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen and Guilhermina Suggia Gift winning student cellist Michael Petrov.

If you'd like to read recent press articles and reviews about us, see the Oxford Times Feature Article previewing our 2009-10 season and reviews of our Brahms & Strauss and Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky concerts.