About the Orchestra

Already being hailed as the "newest" amateur orchestra in Berkshire, the Wokingham Philharmonic's mission is to enjoy exploring the orchestral repertoire in a friendly and supportive space (in Wokingham!) with two or three formal concerts per year, at All Saints Church in Wokingham town centre.

We launched in September 2025 with weekly rehearsals on a Wednesday evening (7.30 - 9.00) during term time at The Windmill School, Fernlea Drive in the Woosehill area of Wokingham RG41 3DR (behind Morrisons).

There is a friendly vibe with an active WhatsApp group, social media presence and social events. The orchestra also has a great balance of age groups from Gen-Z to Baby Boomers and everything in between.

We pride ourselves on exploring a vibrant, diverse range of symphonic music. Our seasonal programs are carefully selected to challenge our musicians and delight our Wokingham audiences, spanning everything from dramatic Romantic symphonies to lively operatic overtures and light classical gems.

Over the last year this has included:

  • Felix Mendelssohn & Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Diving into the precision, elegance, and brilliant energy of classical symphonies and overtures.

  • Edvard Grieg & Georges Bizet: Exploring rich orchestral colors and sweeping melodies, from the atmospheric landscapes of Peer Gynt to the fiery rhythms of Carmen.

  • Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Bringing the lush, deeply expressive, and historically vital works of this brilliant British composer to our local stage.

  • Rossini & Weber: Mastering the dramatic flair, thrilling crescendos, and virtuoso woodwind writing of beloved operatic overtures.

  • Arthur Sullivan: Enjoying the sparkling wit, charm, and quintessentially British character of light opera.

Whether you are a local musician looking to perform a broad canvas of classical repertoire, or a music lover in the Wokingham area looking for a fantastic evening of live local music, our programs offer something for everyone.

If you are a musician of grade 7 standard or above and interested in joining the orchestra, we would love to hear from you, please contact us here.

A rehearsal of the Wokingham Philharmonic Orchestra at Windmill Primary School in Woosehill, Wokingham
A rehearsal of the Wokingham Philharmonic Orchestra at Windmill Primary School in Woosehill, Wokingham

Who's who

The orchestra was founded by two music loving friends and medics, Richard Bishop and James Weitz with Richard picking up the baton and James the cello. A committee to run the orchestra will be formed and this page will be updated with details.

Richard and James
Richard and James
Richard Bishop and James Weitz

Founders

Richard and James
Richard and James

© 2026 Wokingham Philharmonic Orchestra