Bristol Symphony Orchestra

Founded in January 2016, Bristol Symphony is a new and exciting young orchestra for the City. Comprised of dynamic and talented players from across the region, Bristol Symphony was conducted from 2016 - 2019 by award-winning composer and professional conductor, William Goodchild with Pamela Bell as Principal Leader. In 2020 we were pleased to announce Dave Ransom as our new conductor, with Aimee Cottam as leader for the next season.
We have worked with a variety of established and emerging soloists, and with non-classical artists, from time to time.
Bristol Symphony performs a core of three major concerts each year at a variety of venues including St George’s Bristol, Clifton Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe. We also play at special events such as charity fundraising concerts and corporate functions in Bristol and the West of England.
In addition to 19th and 20th Century symphonic repertoire, jazz collaborations with international jazz soloist or group, we have performed works by living composers, including new commissions, such as the Concerto for Kora – 2016* (c. W. Goodchild / M. Cissokho) and Heartbeat – 2019** (c. W. Goodchild).
Warmth, friendliness and a democratic approach characterise our outlook. We enjoy each other’s company, and support and develop one another’s playing. We have a strong and well-organised Management Team, which meets four times a year. Our aim is to rehearse and perform to the highest standard we can achieve, and to communicate the joy we have in making music to as wide an audience as possible.