About us

In 2011, the time was right to establish a high-quality orchestra based in Bromsgrove to provide performing opportunities to the many talented musicians living in Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire.  St John's Church in Bromsgrove already had a rich tradition of music-making, being one of the few parish churches in the UK which could boast a Director of Music, Organist and a large choir.  The church had been host to a wide range of concerts and recitals over the years, ranging from folk music through to major performances of classical works.

At the time, Richard Jenkinson, Principal 'Cellist with the CBSO and member-elect of the world-famous Dante Quartet, approached a number of organisations in the Midlands with a view to using his talents to direct and grow an orchestra in the county.  The partnership was forged and the orchestra has not looked back, staging highly successful music festivals, choral concerts and numerous classical music concerts to great critical acclaim.

The orchestra's motto is 'Performing the full rainbow of classical music' and amongst the many aims is the desire to introduce the music lovers of Bromsgrove to a wide range of classical music styles, as well as giving opportunities to talented young musicians to help them with their future musical careers.

The Orchestra of St John collaborates with other local music groups in Bromsgrove and neighbouring areas (see the links page), is proud to be part of Bromsgrove Arts Alive and to be providing the closing events for the revitalised Bromsgrove Festival since 2014.

After a break of nearly two years, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, there was a keen desire for the Orchestra of St John to return - from players and audience alike - so a group of six musicians banded together to renew the music-making in 2022.

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