Our story

Sheffield Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1950 and is a small classical orchestra of around 40 musicians, comprised of woodwind, horns, trumpets and percussion, in addition to the usual complement of strings. This core orchestra is supplemented by additional instruments, as required.

Playing members are in the main amateur musicians who perform to a high standard but has the benefit of being trained by professional Conductors working closely with its resident professional Leader.

Each year the orchestra usually performs three concerts in Sheffield in venues including Ecclesall Parish Church and St Andrew’s Church, Psalter Lane. Our concert programme usually includes a concerto and the orchestra has, over many years, provided a platform for young aspiring musicians. Many of these have gone on to become national and international concert artists. The relatively small size of our orchestra enables us to be adventurous with our wide-ranging and innovative repertoire from the baroque to the present day.

Sheffield Chamber Orchestra also includes contemporary music in its concert programmes from time to time. So, in addition to performing works from the established and acknowledged greats, in previous years the orchestra has performed new works by Stephen Dodgson, Arthur Butterworth, Leo Birtwhistle and Ed Bennett as well as Sheffield-based composers Chris Wiltshire and Ray Hensher. The 2025-26 season featured a new composition by Dominic McGonigal.

Sheffield Chamber Orchestra is a registered charity and is financed mostly by ticket sales, subscriptions paid by the members themselves and kind donations by a loyal group of Patrons. In 2001 the orchestra received a generous gift in the form of a legacy following the death of Arthur Humphrey, one of the orchestra’s patrons. Other than professional fees paid to the conductor and leader, the orchestra is managed on an entirely voluntary basis by a dedicated committee of members, and overseen by a board of Trustees.

Making Music

The Orchestra is a member of Making Music, (formerly the National Federation of Music Societies) whose aim is to represent and support amateur and semi-professional music groups, including orchestras and music promoters throughout the UK. Making Music represents over 130,000 musicians and music lovers in the UK and is a source of finance for its members via subsidies for young concert artists and project funding.