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.
Constitution
The Orchestra is governed by its Constitution, which is approved by Making Music and by OSCR, the Scottish Charity
Regulator. You can read the current Constitution by downloading the pdf file here.
Our Musical Year
A typical session will comprise three full orchestral concerts in
November, March and June, together a charity concert in the
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 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
Glasgow Chamber Orchestra
GCO Constitution