Established in 1991, the name "The Mowbray Orchestra" comes from the 12th century Norman Barony of the same name, a historical tie to the vale of Mowbray - the birthplace of the ensemble.

​

Born in North Yorkshire, the group was originally formed to provide a flexible group specialising in the performance of rarely-heard chamber works which are written for unusual combinations of instruments. It rapidly became the professional wing of the Ripon St Cecilia Orchestra, one of the most distinguished semi-professional orchestras in the UK, in order to deliver acclaimed performances and musicianship for local choral societies both sides of the Pennines. 

​

The Mowbray Orchestra is now in great demand, accompanying societies as far afield as Carlisle, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Ulverston. The orchestra draws on a large pool of freelance artists who regularly perform with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Hallé Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Orchestra of Opera North, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra & Royal Northern Sinfonia. In recent years the orchestra has worked with celebrated international singers such as Sir Thomas Allen CBE, Alan Opie, Roderick Williams, Mark Padmore, Anna Stephany, Rachel Nicholls, Linda Richardson, Phillip Smith and Dominic Barberi amongst many others.

 

The orchestra has also performed for royalty, in European premieres and at festivals across the country but it's roots are still firmly within local communities. 

 

Our educational outreach program gives the talented music students of leading UK conservatoires a pathway to perform alongside experienced, professional players.