South Birmingham Sinfonia

The orchestra was founded during the 1970s, orginally as an evening class under the auspices of the Workers' Education Association (WEA), within its Ladywood Branch. Then, as now, the orchestra aimed to provide opportunities for amateur musicians to enjoy orchestral playing, develop their own skills and musicianship, and explore the classical music repertoire.

It draws its players from all walks of life, with members aged from 17 to over 70, of varying levels of experience and ability, all united by a shared love of music.

The orchestra’s repertoire is mainly classical, including major symphonic works, overtures and other works. It has recently performed a number of concertos with local soloists, including the well known Bruch and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concertos, Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, two of Mozart’s Piano Concertos as well as the Elgar Cello concerto.

In 2003, the orchestra relocated from Ladywood to Selly Oak, and was re-born as South Birmingham Sinfonia. Since then, under the inspired direction of its conductor Lee Differ, the orchestra has flourished and attracted many new members, allowing it to expand its musical horizons. Having previously given concerts at Bournville Friends Meeting House, the orchestra is also delighted to have now made this larger venue its rehearsal home, and looks forward to many happy years of playing and performing in Bournville and South Birmingham.

In July 2005 the orchestra split from the WEA following a unanimous vote at the AGM to become an independent society. At this time the Orchestra also became a member of Making Music.

The Orchestra enjoys a special relationship with St Mary’s Hospice nearby in Selly Oak and is pleased to be able to support the work of this important local organisation with its concerts.

Governance

The way the orchestra is governed is laid down in the constitution that was adopted by the members of the Orchestra in July 2005.

A copy of the Constitution is available if pdf format here

Membership Fees

Current termly rates are set out below. There are three terms in each financial year.

Full Member - £31 (£93 annual)
Senior Member - £22 (£66 annual)
Student Member - £15 (£45 annual)

Donations

Since the beginning of 2005, the Orchestra has donated the proceeds from its concerts to St Mary's Hospice in Selly Oak. During our 2009 concert series we raised £2,500 in aid of St Mary's Hospice taking the total raised to over £9,600.

In February 2008 the Orchestra performed a charity concert at the Town Hall where over £6,000 was raised in aid of St Mary's Hospice and the Edward Trust.

Financial Statements - coming in 2010

The financial statements for the period ended 30th June 2009 will be available here in 2010.