About the Orchestra

The Charnwood Orchestra is popular amongst players and audiences alike. The Orchestra is made up of sixty regular musicians, most of whom live in the villages of Charnwood as well as Leicester, Loughborough and the environs. Since its founding it has been a focal point for local musical talent, and today attracts players of all ages who perform together with genuine enthusiasm and musicality.

Joseph O’Reilly, Director of Music at Rawlins College in Quorn founded the Orchestra in 1973. Since that time it has enjoyed the direction of several conductors, each of whom offered something new to the Orchestra in style and taste.

Currently under the direction of Nic Fallowfield, the Orchestra is performing a very wide range of exciting and imaginative programmes and continues to grow in reputation. Marking the orchestra's 50th anniversary in 2023, Tom Bowes, who has now performed 14 violin concertos with us, agreed to become our musical patron.

The Charnwood Orchestra rehearses in Emmanuel Church, Loughborough and performs a rich variety of programmes with the regular participation of superb solo artists from all over the country.

We have completed several successful tours around Britain as well as forays into France and Ireland, which have been very well received.

Read more about our history, our music director, how to join the orchestra and view our Constitution.