Solent Symphony Orchestra

Noticeboard posts
11.09.26 Profile: James Mayhew, author & illustrator, and the Solent Symphony Orchestra
26.07.26 Review: The Solent Chamber Orchestra at Petersfield
07.08.25 Review: Solent Chamber Orchestra – Music for a summer’s afternoon
17.03.25 Review: Solent Symphony Orchestra spring classics concert
01.03.25 Profile: Elias Simojoki, and Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto with the Solent Symphony Orchestra
16.10.24 Orchestra Unwrapped…Solent Symphony Orchestra at Portsmouth Cathedral
29.02.24 Profile: Emme Hensel, flautist
11.11.23 “A night at the movies” – video clip
06.03.23 Review: Solent Symphony Orchestra: Spring Classics
27.02.23 Profile – Alexandra Peel, violinist

The SSO was founded in 1992 by a number of forward-thinking musicians. Given the city of Portsmouth’s rich cultural heritage, the need for a first-class symphony orchestra was recognised and accordingly the SSO was established.

Since its inception, the orchestra has provided a forum for local musicians to perform in historic venues as part of a regular concert series. Our current musicians range in profession, from teachers to students, marines to computer programmers.

The Solent Symphony Orchestra has recognised its important and unique musical role within the city of Portsmouth. The orchestra is constantly seeking new ways to broaden the experience of both its players and the audience.

A link has been forged with the Portsmouth Music Festival, thus enabling, each year, an outstanding young local musician the opportunity to perform a concerto with a symphony orchestra.

Many new works by local composers have been premiered by the orchestra alongside classics of the symphony orchestra repertoire.

Whilst our concerts have traditionally been held in the two cathedrals of Portsmouth, the orchestra is also keen to play in a wide variety of local venues and has performed at St Mary’s Church, Fratton; the Royal Marines Museum; St Agatha’s Church; Romsey Abbey and St Mary’s Church, Southampton.