EMG Symphony Orchestra, Exeter, Devon, UK.

Forthcoming concerts  : click here
For the latest Concert reviews : click here.
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Welcome to the EMG Symphony Orchestra website.  This new site includes details of forthcoming concerts as well as general information concerning the many activities of the orchestra. Currently, it is the largest amateur symphony orchestra in the South West of England and serves a large Devonian community. 

Some concert highlights of the new 2008-9 season.

If you would like to consider joining the orchestra, you will find all the information you need by clicking on the contacts page. Please phone or e-mail us immediately. Membership is strong and across a broad age range. Whoever you are, a warm friendly welcome awaits you. Young up-and-coming players are especially welcome to contact us even for a limited period of playing during their other academic studies. Subscriptions are moderate  and include many benefits. There are no auditions as such. Prospective players are initially invited to attend a number of rehearsals and liase with the MD, leader and section leader.

The EMG Symphony Orchestra (EMGSO) is a registered charity (Number 1064282) with almost 100 full and associate playing members and is affiliated to the Making Music.

EMGSO organises a series of 3 - 5 major concerts each year in the city of Exeter and in towns around Devon. It has received much critical acclaim for its performances both in the UK and abroad under its previous M.D., Roger Hendy who retired in June 2008 after 26 years service.

Marion Wood is the new Musical Director from September 2008.

The orchestra has on many occasions coupled with the EMGSO chorus and local choral societies for special concerts in Exeter Cathedral. Exciting choral-orchestral concerts have featured the works of Mahler, Poulenc, Rossini and Bernstein. Singers interested in joining us for our annual choral concert in Exeter Cathedral are warming invited to contact us. 

Orchestral rehearsals are 7.20 - 10.00 p.m. on Thursdays at St. Peter's High, School,  Exeter. There is normally a short break for refreshments and announcements. Click here to find out more about playing and membership. 

As well as rehearsals leading to concerts, the orchestra frequently stages sectional and workshops using professional players  from the City of Birmingham and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras. There are also frequent social activities and dinners arranged for playing members, their families and Friends of the Orchestra. The orchestra also encourages players to form chamber groups and  small bursaries are available to players and groups to help develop playing technique and general musical skills. 

EMG Symphony Orchestra has been associated with other orchestras and groups from the UK, France and Germany as is always looking for new cultural links both at home and abroad. The orchestra is managed by a very active committee elected annually in October at a brief AGM. The work of the orchestra is supported by sponsors, businesses, councils, Friends of EMG Symphony Orchestra and many other helpers who assist with concerts. The orchestra  is strongly linked with many local and  national charities.