Creating live music in the local community
Newbury Symphony Orchestra
Newbury Symphony Orchestra

Newbury Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is one of the oldest non-professional orchestras in England.

NSO comprises sixty amateur musicians of all ages and draws its members and audience from four counties.

Their resident professional conductor is Dr Jonathan Williams .

A major objective of NSO is to contribute to creating live music in the local community.

They encourage participation by musicians throughout the Newbury area and they support young and up-and-coming soloists by inviting them to perform concertos.

Rehearsals take place in Newbury on Wednesday evenings during school terms.

The Newbury Symphony Orchestra is affiliated to Making Music, which represents and supports amateur performing societies throughout the UK and is grateful for the generous support of the Friends of Newbury Symphony Orchestra and their sponsors, Philip Brown Violins.

New players are always welcome, and they are especially looking for brass players.

As a guideline, they suggest that string players should play to a standard of Associated Board grade 7 or above, and section leaders or wind players with solo parts would need to be much better than this.

Please let them know if you plan to attend one of their rehearsals for the first time, e.g. by contacting the section leader or the chair of the orchestra.

The orchestra can be contacted as follows:

Postal Address: Dr. David Cooper, Chairman, Newbury Symphony Orchestra, Oak House, Garden Close La, Newbury RG14 6PP

Tel:  (01635) 551875

chairman@newburysymphonyorchestra.org

Autumn Concert Sea And Storm 7:30 pm Sat 14 Nov 2026 St Nicholas Church, Newbury Carwithen - ODTAA Overture Britten - Four Sea Interludes Narrator: Sumah Ebele Interval Dvorak - Symphony No. 7 Guest Conductor: John Beswick Leader: Susie Henwood Tickets are available online via Ticket Tailor or at the door. Interval refreshment is kindly provided by Loose Ends, in aid of the homeless of Newbury. Our performance of Doreen Carwithen's Overture is kindly supported by the William Alwyn Foundation. Sumah Ebele joins us as narrator with generous support from Newbury Rotary Club
Candlelit Christmas Concert 6-8 pm Sat 5 Dec 2026 St Nicholas Church, Newbury Conductor: Neil Farrow Leader: Susie Henwood Suitable for all ages Our Candlelit Christmas Concert is the perfect way to begin the festival season. Set within the beautiful, atmospheric surroundings of St Nicolas' Church, enjoy a wonderful evening of live orchestral music and Christmas magic by candlelight. We look forward to welcoming you. This concert is raising funds for Swings and Smiles, a local charity supporting children with disabilities and additional needs, together with their families. All donations will go directly to support their work. Interval refreshments are kindly provided by Loose Ends, in aid of the homeless of Newbury. Tickets are available online via Ticket Tailor or at the door.