During the 1970s and 80s the abundance of high quality amateur instrumentalists in London led to the founding of many quality orchestras. Keith Stent, who worked in the ground-breaking music department of the ILEA, brought together some remarkable local musicians to form the WSO. Their brief was to be a showcase for their talents, rehearsing and performing orchestral music for the enjoyment of player and listener alike. Although technically an ‘Evening Class’ – at a time when such things were recognised by the State as being valuable – a music ensemble is much more than that, being an outlet for social intercourse and cultural enrichment for the area!

 

The orchestra has benefitted over the years from professional leadership in the form of our conductors (initially Keith Stent, then Leigh O’Hara, now Rupert Bond) and the leader (Margaret Whittall and now Mario Basilisco). Apart from these, and the occasional extra player hired in to fill any gaps in the orchestral forces required for a particular work, the group is in all other respects an amateur society, comprising office workers, technicians, doctors, lawyers, professors and teachers etc. The players devote their Wednesday nights to the joy of preparing music for concerts. There is a volunteer committee that takes on the management of the orchestra and concerts, under the present chairmanship of Angela Wilson. 

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The orchestra’s future is promising, with a lineup of superb musicians and ideas to match their founder’s vision. It is always looking for sponsorship and financial support to help pay for the not inconsiderable costs of promoting a concert. If you are in a position to offer help, please consider becoming a Friend of WSO (see later in this programme).