Southbank Sinfonia is a British chamber orchestra founded in 2002. Composed of young professionals from around the world, each year it brings together 33 graduate musicians for an intensive and wide-ranging programme of performance and professional development. It is internationally recognised as a leading orchestral academy, providing exceptional graduate musicians with a springboard into the orchestral profession. The annual fellowship comprises performances across Britain and Europe, and features orchestral repertoire, chamber music, opera, dance and theatre, alongside artist development sessions embracing leadership, communication, teamwork and music education. An integral part of the programme is the orchestra's creative partnerships with leading performing arts organisations including the Royal Opera House, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the National Theatre and artists such as Patron Vladimir Ashkenazy. Guest artists and conductors also feature prominently in the Southbank Sinfonia programme, each sharing their expertise in projects that explore particular repertoire, styles and techniques. These have included Edward Gardner, John Wilson, Antonio Pappano, Mark Wigglesworth, Oliver Knussen and Sir Charles Mackerras. Southbank Sinfonia is based at St John's Church, Waterloo, where a regular series of free 'Rush Hour' concerts are held throughout the year. Bringing together an exceptional group of young, energetic and enthusiastic performers also opens up an exciting and unusual range of performance possibilities. The orchestra frequently collaborates with artists from other music genres, including Squarepusher in 2013, as well as in theatrical projects with the National Theatre. These have included critically acclaimed productions of Amadeus in 2016/18, and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour in 2009/10. The orchestra was shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Ensemble in 2016 and a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Concert Series and Festivals in 2017 for #ConcertLab, a series that explores new approaches to concert presentation. Southbank Sinfonia is the resident orchestra of the Anghiari Festival, held in the town of Anghiari each July. Southbank Sinfonia's patrons include Sir Thomas Allen, John Anderson, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Edward Gardner, Patricia Hodge, James Naughtie and the Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury.
History
Southbank Sinfonia was founded in 2002 by Simon Over, its Music Director, who, while conducting a young group of conservatoire students was struck by their dedication and outstanding talent, but also by the uncertainty they faced in beginning their professional careers. The aim of Southbank Sinfonia is to provide an ensemble that would bridge the one-year period after graduation, giving them a springboard into the music profession.
