the Orchestra

The Cambridge Orchestra Limited was founded in 1987 by the late Charles Sampson in response to requests for a new symphony orchestra which could harness the very talented players and music teachers, within the Eastern Counties to perform large classical repertoire to the highest standards.

Many internationally acclaimed soloists have performed with the Cambridge Orchestra, these have included Tasmin Little, Piers Lane, Timothy Hugh, and David Campbell.

The Orchestra has also presented Gala Ballet with Wayne Sleep and members of National Youth Ballet of Great Britain.

A particularly important sphere of the orchestra's activities is to work with local charities and in this season's programme we support the Arthur Rank Hospice, the Alzheimer's Society, Cambridge Mencap and the Sick Children's Trust.

The orchestra consists of around 50 regular members. There are no subscriptions and musicians play by invitation. The orchestra performs around 5 concerts a year and rehearses in Cambridge.

See photographs of the orchestra at a recent concert.

the Conductor

Darrell Davison has directed the Cambridge Orchestra since the inaugural concert in 1987.

After winning the Barbirolli conduction competition in 1979 he made his London debut by conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Festival Hall. Since then he has conducted many major symphony orchestras both here and abroad and has also been commissioned to compose a number of works.