Luton Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra has been in existence for over 50 years and has acquired an excellent reputation providing interesting and varied concerts.
Luton Symphony Orchestra, based in Luton, Bedfordshire, was founded in 1953 as the Luton Youth Orchestra and was initially conducted by Michael Marsh-Edwards. Three years later it became Luton Symphony Orchestra and was subsequently conducted for many years by the well-known and respected champion of Luton music, Colin Smith.
In 1989, Uwe Radok, then Head of Brass for Bedfordshire Music Service, was appointed as conductor, a post he filled admirably for over 20 years until his retirement in 2011. In 2013, Dafydd Billinghurst was invited to take up the conductor's baton.
Over the years, the orchestra has had the privilege of working with many famous soloists. These have included Ralph Wallfisch (cello), Erich Gruenberg (violin), Richard Watkins (horn), Jack Brymer (clarinet), Michael Hext (trombone), Rohan de Saram (cello), Ifor James (horn), Rodney Friend (violin), Daniel Smith (bassoon), Andrew Gough (guitar) and Vovka Ashkenazy (piano). Nigel Kennedy gave his first professional performance with Luton Symphony Orchestra at the age of 15.
In recent years, we have been privileged to present many other young soloists at the start of their careers including Rachel Nicholls (soprano), Ben Westlake (clarinet), Juliet Arthur (soprano), Joo Yeon Sir (violin), Timothy Ridout (viola), James Sherlock (piano) and Steven Joseph (guitar).