About


Founded in 1983, the Orchestra was originally connected with St Bridget's Church in West Kirby, and known as the St Bridget’s Orchestra. It changed its name in September 1995 to the Wirral Symphony Orchestra to reflect its increasing size, repertoire and prominence. By 2005, the Orchestra had become a large and vibrant musical body, and established itself as an independent organisation in its own right. The Wirral Symphony Orchestra is a Registered Charity (No 1112140). 

From 1995 to 2008 the WSO was conducted by Gabrielle Horne, and in Autumn 2008 the Orchestra announced the appointment of Jonathan Small, Principal Oboe of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as its new Conductor.

The majority of concerts are performed at Hoylake Chapel, although the Orchestra has played also in Wallasey Town Hall, Pacific Road Arts Centre and in West Kirby.


We are delighted to announce that Vasily Petrenko, the acclaimed Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, has become Honorary President of Wirral Symphony Orchestra. WSO Conductor Jonathan Small said; "I am delighted that Vasily has shown a such keen interest both in my own conducting activities and in music-making in the Community generally. It's particularly fitting that we are able to announce this as we prepare to perform some of Russia's greatest music".

Vasily Petrenko, who has his home in Wirral, said: "It is a great pleasure to see a large group of musicians not only keeping traditions but being ambitious and making their own improvement and progress. This is what I believe is a way to the future!" 


On Sunday 29th January 2012 WSO held a playday of R Strauss 'An Alpine Symphony'.

WSO acknowledges the assistance of the "Your Wirral" community activities fund in the part financing of this event, and also the Richard Strauss Society. Follow this link for photos of PlayDay 2012. This was the the official flyer