Chichester Symphony Orchestra

Noticeboard posts:
15.07.26 Review: The Mary Hartley Memorial Concert
29.01.26 Review: Movie Night Concert
28.01.26 Preview: The Barry Goodchild Memorial Concert
07.01.26 Feature article: Chichester’s Symphony Orchestra
28.10.25 Review: Chichester Symphony Orchestra in Chichester Cathedral
16.10.25 Preview: Charles Harrison plays Poulenc’s Organ Concerto along with Chichester Symphony Orchestra
31.08.25 Alex Hu – a new leader for the Chichester Symphony Orchestra
07.07.25 Review: Chichester Symphony Orchestra summer concert
22.05.25 Chichester Symphony Orchestra is seeking a new Leader
05.04.25 Review of “Space” concert by the Chichester Symphony Orchestra & Chichester University Conservatoire
20.03.25 Chichester Symphony Orchestra and the University join musical forces
30.10.24 Review: Chichester Symphony Orchestra in Chichester
25.10.24 Chichester Symphony Orchestra in “fantastic” position for new term
11.07.24 Chichester Symphony Orchestra join the Festival of Chichester
15.04.24 What to expect from Chichester Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert
18.01.24 Chichester Symphony Orchestra to launch a Friends group
25.10.23 Review: Chichester Symphony Orchestra in Chichester
26.08.23 Profile: Natalia Corolscaia
11.07.23 Review: Chichester Symphony Orchestra summer concert

Chichester Symphony Orchestra has been part of the musical life of Chichester for many years and is the oldest local secular amateur musical ensemble. It can trace its history back to the establishment of the Chichester Instrumental Society in 1889. Read more in Greg Slay’s article (May 2025).

As a highly regarded amateur orchestra, we aim to provide exciting and memorable concerts for the community and surrounding areas.

We normally give four concerts a year at venues in Chichester. Our summer concert usually forms part of the Festival of Chichester, and we perform regularly as part of Chichester Cathedral’s Lunchtime Concert Series.

Over the past 25 years Chichester Symphony Orchestra has had four conductors, most recently Simon Wilkins since 2018. Alex Hu is now the orchestra’s leader, from September 2025. He is a Taiwanese-American who completed his Masters degree in music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and chamber ensembles across the UK, USA and Asia. Natalia Corolscaia was the orchestra’s last leader.

The Orchestra numbers around 40 but recruits extra players when needed. New members and supporters are welcome. Find out more, including our future plans, on our website.