Cornwall Concert Orchestra
Cornwall Concert Orchestra is an amateur full symphony orchestra based in Truro. The orchestra is a player-run organisation that performs concerts at venues across Cornwall. Its repertoire primarily comprises works from the Classical and Romantic periods, alongside selected modern compositions and works presented as part of its annual family concert.
The orchestra is a registered charity and is managed by a committee of players elected annually by the orchestra’s full membership. It is led by professional Music Director Dr Chris Morgan.
Music Director
Dr Chris Morgan has served as the orchestra’s Music Director since October 2013. He was trained at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Morgan lectures in music education at Falmouth University and works as an examiner for Trinity. He is also director of MADE, a local arts education organisation.
Repertoire and performances
The orchestra performs works from the established symphonic and concerto repertoire, including complete overtures, symphonies and concertos. Recent performances (2025/2026) have included:
- Engelbert Humperdinck – Hänsel und Gretel Overture
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 in A major
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 in E minor
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto in D major
- Edward Elgar – Cello Concerto in E minor
The orchestra has also performed shorter works by composers including Peter Warlock, Georges Bizet, Camille Saint-Saëns, Johannes Brahms, Dmitri Shostakovich, William Walton and Ennio Morricone.
In addition to its regular concert programme, the orchestra presents an annual family concert intended to introduce orchestral music and live performance to younger audiences.
History
The orchestra was established in 2008 as the Cornwall Returners Orchestra, before adopting its current name, Cornwall Concert Orchestra, in December 2015.
The organisation was founded following an initiative by Colin Rendell of the Cornwall County Music Service. The aim was to establish an orchestra for musicians in Cornwall who had previously played instruments and wished to resume playing after a period away from music.
The first rehearsal took place at the former Richard Lander School in Truro on 22 September 2008. The initial ensemble comprised Rendell as conductor and approximately ten players. Additional experienced musicians assisted the developing players during the orchestra’s early rehearsals.
Membership initially fluctuated between approximately eight and ten players. Following publicity in the local press, membership increased to around 20 players, and subsequently to approximately 30 by early 2009.
As the standard of playing developed, the orchestra began preparing for public performances. Its inaugural concert took place at St Agnes Methodist Church on 22 March 2009, approximately six months after the orchestra’s first rehearsal.
The orchestra continued to expand and develop its repertoire in subsequent years. Chris Morgan became Music Director in October 2013. In December 2015, the organisation adopted the name Cornwall Concert Orchestra.
One of the musicians who played at the orchestra’s inaugural rehearsal, clarinettist Mark Bramwell, remains a member of the orchestra.
Organisation and aims
The Cornwall Concert Orchestra is operated by its members and governed by a committee elected annually by the full membership. As a registered charity, its activities include the provision of opportunities for musicians to develop their skills and participate in orchestral performance.
The orchestra’s stated aims include providing a supportive environment in which players can develop their musical abilities and socialise; developing the collective musicianship of the orchestra and performing to the highest standard achievable by its members; and promoting orchestral and classical music as part of Cornwall’s cultural life.
The orchestra also seeks to provide opportunities for people from across Cornwall to experience orchestral and classical music through live performances.