Bath Philharmonia is a classical music ensemble based in the city of Bath, England. The orchestra was founded in 1990 by Jason Thornton, a local conductor and music educator, with the aim of providing high-quality classical music performances to the people of Bath and the surrounding areas. The ensemble started out as a small group of musicians, but quickly grew in size and reputation. Today, Bath Philharmonia is one of the leading orchestras in the South West of England, with a core of around 60 professional musicians and a wide range of guest performers. The orchestra's main members include its conductor, Jason Thornton, who has been with the ensemble since its founding, and its principal players, who are all highly skilled musicians with extensive experience in the classical music world. The ensemble also works closely with a number of local choirs and soloists, as well as with guest conductors and soloists from around the world. Over the years, Bath Philharmonia has performed a wide range of classical music repertoire, from Baroque and Classical works to Romantic and contemporary pieces. The orchestra has also commissioned and premiered a number of new works by contemporary composers, including Sally Beamish, Howard Goodall, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. One of the highlights of Bath Philharmonia's history was its performance at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The orchestra was chosen to represent the South West of England in the cultural program of the Games, and performed a specially commissioned piece by composer David Arnold, entitled "Isles of Wonder". Another notable performance by Bath Philharmonia was its collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2016. The orchestra provided live music for the RSC's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream", which was performed at the Theatre Royal in Bath and later toured around the UK. Bath Philharmonia has also won a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2014, the orchestra was named "Orchestra of the Year" at the Bath Life Awards, in recognition of its contribution to the cultural life of the city. The ensemble has also been praised for its educational work, which includes a range of outreach programs and workshops for young people and adults. In conclusion, Bath Philharmonia is a highly respected classical music ensemble with a rich history and a bright future. The orchestra's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement has made it a beloved institution in the South West of England and beyond.

More....