Our History

Burnley Orchestra first started in 1918, just after the First World War, it immediately attracted players who wanted to play the major works of the classical repertoire. Many of those who played in the orchestra then, also worked in the local mills and earned extra income by playing in bands in theatres and cinemas. Since then, we have woven a rich tapestry of music into the heart of Burnley, and we continue to be an essential part of Burnley’s music culture. We are more than just an orchestra; we are a close group of passionate amateur musicians bound by a love of music. We benefit from being in a creative and social environment, all contributing to good mental health. Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado or simply curious to explore the magic of orchestral sounds, we welcome you. Members of the orchestra benefit from other members who have a wealth of experience in practical musicianship. Patricia Chippendale (principal oboe) has played with the orchestra for 70 years! Judith David (double bass) is also a long-standing member and is also our President. Judith Doe (leader) has played for over 40 years. Be enthralled by the dedication and artistry of our orchestra, each member pouring their heart and soul into every note. We invite you on a journey of discovery where the power of music transcends time and brings people together.

Our Mission

The mission of Burnley Orchestra is to unleash the power and positive impact of music on its members, audiences, and the wider community.

By keeping music alive in Burnley and its local communities, we strive to maintain a welcoming and friendly environment where musicians and audiences alike can thrive and experience the joy and spirit of performing and engaging in live music.

Our Vision

To challenge preconceptions about orchestras and orchestral music and to raise our profile with the aid of advertising, media, social media, and word of mouth.

To welcome new members to our orchestra and audiences. Immerse yourself in captivating performances that celebrate our rich history, from beloved classics to groundbreaking contemporary works. Get to know our talented players who bring the music to life with their passion and dedication.

To collaborate with other like-minded groups, to create partnerships and to develop our and their performances.

To place orchestral music at the heart of contemporary society, deepening engagement with communities and creative partners.

To increase our role as cultural ambassadors in Burnley and the surrounding areas.

To give local communities the opportunity to experience a live orchestral performance. We believe music is for everyone, and we welcome listeners of all levels, from seasoned concertgoers to those taking their first steps into the orchestral world.

To give more amateur musicians the opportunity to learn, engage and participate with our orchestra, by supporting, educating, and enhancing their talent.

To continue to have a collective spirit by embracing and nurturing the diversity of our players, audiences, and the different programmes/concerts we offer.

To improve and secure our financial status by increasing our number of subscription paying members, gaining sponsorship from businesses, increasing the number of ‘Friends of the orchestra’, advertisements in our concert programmes and donations. We would love you to become part of our musical legacy.

Our Values

Inclusivity – Great orchestral experiences must be accessible to all.

Achievement – Making our hard work pay off by performing challenging repertoires.

Responsibility – The talents of our musicians must be used for the benefit of everyone.

Passion – For music making; the driving force within our orchestra.

Care – We treat each other with dignity and respect. We encourage, support and value each other and we are one team.

Engage – We reach out to, work with, and connect people, providing inspirational music experiences that are accessible to all. We are proud to be instilled in, relevant to and valued by the community. We present learning and life enrichment opportunities for people of all ages.

Pride – We are proud of our collective talents, and we are dedicated to giving the highest level of performance.