Symphony Orchestra concert

Saint-Saens: Dance Macabre

Morricone: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

Walton: 'Spitfire' Prelude & Fugue

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique

The Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra is a fully independent amateur orchestra formed in 1973 by a group of keen amateur players. The idea behind the formation of the orchestra was to satisfy a need for local players to prepare to as high a standard as possible interesting works for public performance. This is still the primary aim of the orchestra today.

The orchestra is managed by a committee consisting of the Musical Director and the leader plus members elected by the orchestra. It is financed through concert receipts and an annual subscription paid by the members.
It is also affiliated to Making Music (previously known as the National Federation of Music Societies).
The repertoire of the orchestra spans works from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, although a symphony orchestra of this type will tend to concentrate on works from the nineteenth century.
The orchestra has performed a large number of symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Mahler, Schubert, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky etc. Earlier works are represented by Albinoni, Bach, Boyce and Handel, whereas twentieth century composers whose works have been performed include Bartok, Copland, Joubert, Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Rory Freckleton, a member of the viola section.

A particularly exciting development is a partnership with the City’s Music Education Hub whereby the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and WSO join forces to provide concerts for young audiences in the Civic Halls. As a result a number of the talented young players have been welcomed as members of WSO.