About us
The Orpington Symphony Orchestra has been making music together for more than 75 years. Known for its ambitious repertoire and welcoming spirit, the orchestra brings together players from across the community to perform works ranging from classical favourites to lesser-known gems. Each season builds towards three concerts in December, March and June.
Our history
​​Since its founding in 1949, the orchestra has grown under the guidance of a succession of inspiring conductors, each adding their own character and influence to its sound. Joseph McMenemy first conducted OSO for twenty-one years, succeeded by Leonard Davis from 1970 who continued to direct the orchestra for the next thirty years. Subsequently, Michael Axtell took leadership in 2000, followed by Raymond Lewis from 2003, Sean Morris from 2018, Daniel Hogan from 2019, and Emily Singh from 2022.
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Today, the ensemble is conducted by Dominic Wells, who took up the post in December 2023 alongside his role as conductor of the Orpington Chorale.
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The orchestra is now a fully independent organisation, although it originally came under the auspices of Orpington and District Adult Education Centre, subsequently becoming part of Bromley Adult Education College. Throughout its life, the orchestra has been supported by Bromley Arts Council. Orpington Symphony Orchestra is a member of the National Federation of Music Societies.
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If you are interested in playing with us, please visit the Join Us page to find out more.
Meet the conductor
Dominic Wells
Having graduated with first-class honours for a B.Mus at Royal Holloway, University of London, Dominic continued with an M.Mus there. He then spent a year working at Westminster Cathedral, before returning to academia for a PhD, supported by a Doctoral Fellowship, at Durham University. His PhD, on the concept of retrospection in the music of James MacMillan, was awarded in 2012.
Since then, Dominic has worked at BBC Radio 3, where he is lead producer for the Wigmore Hall lunchtime concerts series. He also produces Essential Classics, Night Tracks, Radio 3 in Concert, BBC Proms, and the New Generation Artists scheme. Dominic has been conductor of the Orpington Chorale for the last decade and took up the role of music director of the Orpington Symphony Orchestra in 2023.