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Orchestra

All the talent, determination, and creativity of the North East on a worldwide stage.

Get to know the players, musical family and artistic leadership that powers Royal Northern Sinfonia. Right here from their home at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

About the orchestra

From symphonies to string quartets, film soundtracks to choral masses, and original performances with awesome artists from Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Vikingur Olafsson to Sam Fender and Self Esteem, the orchestra’s members have got one of the most varied jobs there is. They’re always looking for fresh new sounds from up-and-coming composers, inviting local communities to share a stage, and doing everything they can to inspire and prepare the musicians of tomorrow to one day take their place.

They’re also working hard to smash the barriers that can stop brilliant people getting into classical music. They’ve teamed up with national partners to support women conductors to develop their careers, to help global majority musicians get vital experience in the orchestra world, and to celebrate disabled and non-disabled musicians breaking new ground together in inclusive ensemble RNS Moves. And they bring new musical opportunities to the region, headlining the first-ever BBC Proms weekend outside London.

Because they whole-heartedly believe orchestral music is for anyone – big cities and rural villages, tiny babies and life-long listeners, die-hard fans and curious minds – they travel far and wide to make sure there’s top-notch classical music on offer for anyone ready to say “I’ll give that a go”. You’ll find them in churches, castles, and community venues across the North, as well as leading the charge in Carlisle, Kendal, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland.

With 65 years of success to build on, they’ve signed a dynamic artistic leadership – Principal Conductor Dinis Sousa, Artistic Partner Maria Włoszczowska, Principal Guest Conductor Nil Venditti and Associate Conductor Ellie Slorach – to lead the way into a bold, bright future.

Meet the Musicians

A chance to get to know the players of Royal Northern Sinfonia off-stage, how their music life began, and what they love most about playing in an orchestra. Watch the full series on Royal Northern Sinfonia’s YouTube channel.

Maria Włoszczowska - Artistic Partner

Gabriel Waite - Sub-Principal Cello

Charlotte Ashton - Section Leader, Flute

Want to be part of all this?

Playing with Royal Northern Sinfonia

From your home at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, as a member of Royal Northern Sinfonia it’s your job to share the joy and wonder of orchestral music with thousands of people across the North of England – and beyond.

Find out more about playing with Royal Northern Sinfonia and any current positions.

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