The Orchestra
West London Sinfonia is an amateur orchestra with ambition and passion. Our players, many of whom work in music or music education, come from all over London. Most of our players have non-music day jobs, but for all of us, making music is an important part of our lives. We perform a wide programme of music with a concentration on larger orchestral works from the 19th (especially late 19th) and early 20th centuries. We regularly perform with world class soloists, and we are fortunate to have Philip Hesketh as our musical director and Iwona Boesche as our leader.
The 2024-25 Season
Our opening concert on Saturday 19th October is definitely not one to miss! Internationally acclaimed pianist Viv Mclean plays the ever-popular Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninov; we take a stroll around Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition; evoke joyous celebration in the captivating Latin dance rhythms of Danzón No. 2 by Marquez; and it all begins with Dvořák’s sparkling Carnival Overture. A truly uplifting programme to launch another season with WLS.
Other highlights of the year include a sea-themed programme in March; the Schumann Konzertstück performed by the WLS French horn section; for Bruckner fans, his majestic seventh symphony; a journey by train over the Maidenhead Viaduct in Cecilia McDowall’s Rain, Steam and Speed, inspired by Turner’s painting; and a very special event at our summer concert in Kew when we will perform Gema Jawa by the late Nancy Van de Vate, only the second woman to receive a doctorate in music composition in the United States, and mother of a WLS member.
And those are just a few of the tremendous musical offerings WLS will bring you in six concerts this year, which include well-loved works and fresh discoveries for audience and orchestra alike. We look forward to sharing the pleasure with you.
Join West London Sinfonia
If you’re looking to join a friendly and ambitious orchestra when rehearsals and performances start up again, we are always on the look-out for string players (especially in the violin and viola sections). If you’d like to enquire just complete the form on our contact page, and we will contact you immediately.
Come to a performance
To enjoy a great evening of high quality classical music, please look at our concert programme. You can buy tickets for any of our concerts online. Join our mailing list if you would like to receive information about future concerts.
