EMG Symphony Orchestra, Exeter, Devon, UK.

'Playing before a capacity audience this was 
another triumph for Roger Hendy and the  EMGSO'

EMGSO in the Great Hall, Exeter University. The original Exeter Music Group was founded in 1967 at St. Luke's College in Exeter (now the Department of Education and Life Long Learning, Exeter University). Over the years the Group has grown; drawing on its large amateur membership, it is now known as the EMG Symphony Orchestra (EMGSO) and is a full flourishing modern symphony orchestra. For larger works, the orchestra is able to call on still more forces and associate members. The largest concert recently staged in Exeter Cathedral (Mahler's Symphony No. 2) comprised of almost 120 players, conductor, soloists augmented with a special EMGSO choir of over 200.

With support from the National Foundation of Music Societies, East Devon District Council and Exeter City Council, EMGSO is an important musical resource in the South West community in many ways:

• It regularly encourages local amateur players to enjoy the a large repertoire or symphony orchestra leading to performances (orchestral and choral),

• It encourages players of all ages to join its ranks and in particular endeavours to keep 'open places' for younger people,

• It gives regular concerts (large and small) often in aid of local and national charities,

• It regularly features national and international soloists as well as encouraging young up and coming artists,  

• It uses the skills of local musicians and encourages their development.

• It encourages audience involvement through charity concerts, imaginative programming.  

• Whenever feasible, it commissions new works to include in its concert programmes,  

• It has developed of a 'Friends of the Orchestra scheme'  

• It stages annual workshops (usually in sections) to enhance musical and technical skills. These are led by nationally acclaimed professional players and conductors,

• It usually features one large choral work in each season and draws upon a database of local singers to form a special EMGSO chorus,

• It participates in cultural exchanges with musical groups form other countries and has over the years combined with French and German musicians,

• It organises social activities for its membership and Friends of EMGSO.

  In recognition of its aims, EMGSO was granted charity status in 1997. As a non profit-making organisation, EMGSO exists to provide music making for its members and audiences.

  The Trustees are dedicated to ensuring that EMGSO continues to satisfy the regulations of the Charity Commission, and that the orchestra will continue as a very valuable community resource.

  In addition, EMGSO often performs concerts in aid of other local charities and, to that end; the committee is always receptive to requests from new charities to apply for bulk-purchase concert tickets in order to help them raise funds for their own causes.

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

If you are interested in joining EMGSO, or have any other enquiries about the orchestra or its work, please contact the EMGSO Secretary, Chairman or Musical Director.

___________________________________________________________

Return to home page click here.