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.