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The orchestra was founded in 1975 by a small number of local musicians and over the years it has increased in numbers to approximately 50 members, which allows greater flexibility in concert programming. It draws its membership from across Birmingham and the surrounding area.
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RSCO Orchestra usually performs five or six concerts each year, at various venues in the Sutton Coldfield area. Concert seasons usually include a Young Soloists' Concert in March, featuring young soloists and students from the Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham areas as we are very keen to promote performing opportunities for young musicians with the orchestra, which gives aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform a concerto movement and is often their first public performance; A spring and autumn concert; a children's concert in the summer, and a Family Christmas concert in partnership with SC Choirs. Many concerts feature a professional soloist in a concerto, and several principal players of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra have performed with us. Encouragement has also been given to young soloists, often winners of national competitions who are at the outset of their careers. We also play full symphonies and overtures.
RSCO has all the elements of a traditional orchestra - as shown in the plan below. The repertoire we play uses the standard layout, but we often use extra players for bigger works.
RSCO has all the elements of a traditional orchestra - as shown in the plan below. The repertoire we play uses the standard layout, but we often use extra players for bigger works.
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Since 2016, RSCO has its own Youth Orchestra. The age range is currently 8- 15, and incorporates violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets and even a harp! We are always on the lookout for more players to join the youth orchestra, particularly brass players.
Run by a friendly team of experienced musicians and teachers, the RSCYO rehearses on a Friday evening at Moor Hall Primary School and is open to instrumentalists of all levels. We provide arrangements of music with parts tailored to the ability of each individual member. From September, we want to extend our work further and introduce a new YOUTH ENSEMBLE as well as our regular Youth Orchestra. New members welcome - and informal auditions for those who are Grade 5+coming this September. |
At RSCYO and RSCYE we play a wide variety of genres of music, whilst working on musicianship and theory and most importantly having fun making music together! The orchestra performs in concerts throughout the year - including playing together with the RSCO, our adult symphony orchestra.
