Lincoln Symphony Orchestra

The Lincoln Symphony Orchestra horn section

In the 1880's a group of twelve musicians formed the Lincoln Orchestra, but by 1902, an increase in the number of members justified the change of name to the Lincoln Orchestral Society. By then the group was giving regular concerts, and in 1910 it joined forces with the London Symphony Orchestra to take part in the Seventh Triennial Festival in Lincoln Cathedral when the composer Sir Edward Elgar conducted a performance of his "Dream of Gerontius". By the late 1940's regular symphony concerts were being held and the name was changed to the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, the name under which it has remained until the present day.

The orchestra has been lucky enough to work with some of the most famous soloists of recent times, including Dame Janet Baker, Julian Lloyd Webber and Lincoln-born Jane Eaglen. Indeed the orchestra has close links with Sir Neville Marriner, the Lincoln-born world famous violinist and conductor. Sir Neville was a member of the LSO in his youth, and gave his first performance as a soloist with the orchestra, playing Max Bruch's violin concerto. Nowadays Sir Neville still maintains close contact with the orchestra by returning to conduct the occasional concert, and holding the position of Honorary President.

In 1997 the orchestra travelled to Lincoln's twin town of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse in Germany, where several concerts were performed and close links and friendships were forged.

Currently the orchestra performs three concerts a year in November, April and June, although they often take part in other events such as the annual Rotary Carol concert, held each year in the Cathedral.