The Guildford Symphony Orchestra is Surrey’s premier orchestra – the only orchestra in the County performing large-scale symphonic works. Founded in 1919 the orchestra attracts local musical talent across many generations and all walks of life. Doctors, teachers, lawyers, homemakers, students, engineers, accountants and more. We’ve been delighting audiences for over 100 years and continue to receive great feedback about our performances.

The musical development of young people has long been a priority with the GSO: its ‘Tidings of Joy’ concerts at the Cathedral see a large children’s choir performing Christmas songs they have composed, and in February or March of each year five young instrumentalists of exciting promise are featured playing concerto movements in the annual Young Artists’ Concert.

The GSO sees itself very much as a community orchestra, with close links to local charities whom we have historically supported in a variety of means. Before the closure of the Guildford Civic Centre, GSO played a series of popular Family Concerts promoted by Guildford Borough Council.