About us

The South Cheshire Orchestra is proud to be a member of Making Music, the UK's leading organisation for leisure-time music groups. We promote our concerts through a variety of channels, including this website, printed posters and flyers, social media, and external publicity partners.

 

We rehearse every Sunday morning from 10:00am to 12:15pm, running from September through to June.

 

Our membership is open to anyone who plays an instrument commonly found in a symphony orchestra. We’re always keen to welcome new players—especially violinists, trumpeters and horn players. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

The South Cheshire Orchestra is a registered charity (No. 1002015).

Our History

 

The South Cheshire Orchestra began life after a performance of Handel’s Messiah in December 1972. Following the concert, a group of players decided they wanted to continue making music together—and so, in March 1973, the first meeting of what would become the South Cheshire Orchestra took place. Affectionately known as The Friendly Orchestra, some of those original founding members are still playing with us today.

Since then, the orchestra has performed countless concerts across Cheshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire—including a memorable performance at Manchester’s historic Free Trade Hall.

 

The SCO has long been a musical home for non-professional (or “amateur”) musicians from across south Cheshire, north Staffordshire, and north Shropshire. We bring together players of all ages and backgrounds to rehearse and perform a wide range of repertoire, from light-hearted “pops” concerts to major classical works by composers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

The orchestra typically presents up to three public concerts a year, which are warmly received by our audiences. Many of these performances also help raise funds for local charities, as well as supporting the orchestra itself.

Join the Orchestra

 

Membership is open to anyone who plays an instrument commonly found in a symphony orchestra. At the moment, we have vacancies in all string sections—particularly violins—as well as brass.

 

We don’t hold auditions—just bring your enthusiasm and love of music. If you're local to Cheshire, Staffordshire, or Shropshire and interested in joining, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just getting back into playing, we welcome all orchestral instrumentalists. We especially encourage younger players looking to gain ensemble experience or reconnect with their instrument in a fun, friendly environment.

You’ll get the chance to perform exciting repertoire, improve your playing, and be part of a supportive musical community. And yes—we do our best to keep it relaxed and enjoyable!

Our MD

🎶 About Richard Moulton - Mallison – Musical Director

 

Richard began his musical journey at an early age, first learning the piano and later picking up the cornet while at primary school.

 

During his high school years, he joined both the school band and the local church band, which sparked his passion for ensemble playing.

 

While at college, Richard became a member of the Crewe West End Concert Band (now known as Crewe Concert Band), where he continues to play today. Over the years, he’s held the position of chairman and has played a variety of brass instruments, including cornet, euphonium, and trumpet, as well as occasionally stepping into the role of musical director when needed.

 

Richard was also invited to join the Middlewich Concert Orchestra a few years later, where he played trumpet before recently stepping back from the group.

 

In addition to his orchestral and concert band involvement, Richard plays trumpet with The Swinging Woodpeckers, a big band and swing band formed during the Covid lockdowns that has since become a well-established group. He is also a member of Bad Dukes and Beggars, a band formed in 2017 that blends Ska, Blue Beat, Reggae, and Dub. Previously, Richard was the trumpet player for The Godfathers of Soul, a local Soul, Motown, and Northern Soul group.

 

More recently, Richard has been involved with The Swinging Woodpeckers Nonnette, a smaller, more intimate ensemble for special events.

 

🎼 How Did Richard Get Involved with the South Cheshire Orchestra?

 

Some might say I was in the right place at the wrong time—quite fitting for someone who was destined to become a musical director! A few years ago, I was asked to assist with a concert for the South Cheshire Orchestra on percussion. Since then, I’ve helped out in the percussion section and occasionally with trumpet playing. I even conducted the orchestra’s Christmas concert in 2016.

 

Following a number of successful performances, I was honored to be offered the position of Musical Director in 2018, a role I’ve enjoyed and cherished ever since.