About the GCO
History
The Glasgow Chamber Orchestra can trace its origins back to
1956, when the Glasgow String Orchestra was founded. Some ten
years later, this strings-only group decided to extend its musical
repertoire, and the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra was born. Since
its first performance in 1967, the GCO has built an enviable
reputation as one of the leading amateur orchestras in Scotland,
and continues to attract some of the best amateur musicians in
the region.
Organisation
The orchestra is run on an entirely voluntary basis by the
musicians themselves, with member subscriptions geared to
enable players in all financial circumstances to take part.
Orchestra members are drawn from all walks of life and from all
over the central belt of Scotland. Doctors, lawyers, secretaries,
scientists, students - the list of occupations is extensive, but all have a common desire to make music together to the highest
possible standards, and this ethos runs throughout the orchestra. A committee of members is appointed each year at the AGM, and
all members are encouraged to get involved in this vital aspect of the orchestra.
Our Musical Year
A typical session will comprise three full orchestral concerts in
November, March and June, together with the CLIC Sargent
Charity concert in December, for which we have been the in-
house orchestra for the past 15 years. In addition, the
orchestra is regularly invited to accompany local choirs and
support one-off events. In recent years, an informal chamber
music concert has been introduced in the summer.
Rehearsal Venue
The Orchestra rehearses in Balshagray Victoria Park church, at
Broomhill Cross in the West End of Glasgow. On occasions we
may also rehearse at our concert venue in Sherbrooke
Mosspark church, on Nithsdale Road. See the Members page
for a detailed rehearsal schedule and how to find the venues.
Supporting the GCO
Friends of the GCO can support the orchestra either by purchasing
Season tickets for our winter spring and summer concerts, or by
becoming Sponsors of the orchestra. Full details of our Season Ticket
and Sponsorship Schemes can be found on our Support Us page. A
warm thanks is extended to all who support the GCO in this way, and
the orchestra would be delighted to welcome new supporters through
these schemes.
Making Music
The Orchestra is affiliated to Making Music Scotland, and is indebted
to them for their continuing support.
The Orchestra