Each year the orchestra gives three concerts in Sheffield, normally two in Firth Hall at the University of Sheffield and one at Bents Green Methodist Church. Our concert programme usually includes a concerto and it is the orchestra's policy to work with and provide a performance opportunity for young professional musicians who are just starting out in their careers as concert soloists. 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.

The Sheffield Chamber Orchestra regularly includes contemporary music in its concert programmes. In addition to performing existing works by contemporary composers, in the last few years the orchestra has commissioned new music by Stephen Dodgson, Arthur Butterworth, and most recently, Ed Bennett as well as Sheffield-based composers Chris Wiltshire and Ray Hensher. As such, the variety of music performed by the orchestra is unique in the Sheffield region.

Robin McEwan and Richard Howarth have both appeared as guest conductors during the last few years. This season sees them in their new role as Joint Conductors, taking over from Harry Malpass who retired in February 2008 after over 20 years as conductor of the Orchestra.

The 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 Friends of the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra. Recently 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.

New members are welcome, subject to available vacancies. Generally, a mininum playing standard of Grade 8 is expected. For more details, please click here.

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.

The Sheffield Chamber Orchestra usually showcases at least one Making Music Award Winner each year. Maureen Anderson (violin) is the Orchestra's Making Music representative.