Bristol Ensemble

Bristol’s only professional orchestra, Bristol Ensemble plays an important role in culture and music education in Bristol and the West of England, working with outstanding artists to present a vibrant and varied annual programme of concerts and events in the region’s major venues. 

Committed to all types of music, Bristol Ensemble has commissioned over 50 new works by British composers. It is also known for film and media collaborations and has provided the music for award-winning productions including the BBC series Life in Cold Blood, Channel 4 drama Any Human Heart, and the 2021 Aardman Animation film Robin Robin

Preludes Music

Embedded in the Bristol music community, in 2009 Bristol Ensemble founded Preludes Music, an education project that now reaches more than 2,000 children a year. 

More than 80% of Preludes Music children live in areas experiencing economic and social challenges. Many are growing up in poverty and a high proportion have additional needs.

Preludes Music children benefit from activities including choirs, instrument lessons, orchestras and holiday clubs. They perform in concerts in city centre venues and in their communities. As well as progressing musically they gain confidence and develop key skills, including teamwork and communication. 

Our Team

The Bristol Ensemble has recently appointed Charles Wyld as Chair of Trustees and Simon Kodurand as Artistic Director. We have sought feedback from our partners and audiences to inform our priorities and plans for the future. We have refined our mission, vision and values, and reaffirmed the Bristol Ensemble’s purpose and role in our communities. 

Our Mission

Our new strategy will help us fulfil the Bristol Ensemble’s mission to ‘share the gift of music-making with people of all ages across all the communities of Bristol and the West of England’. 

By 2032 we aim be recognised as a cultural and educational icon in the region, with national standing. To realise this aim we will:
• Continue to pursue musical excellence through innovation and creativity in our partnerships, programming and performance.
• Expand Preludes Music to other areas of need within the city. 
• Develop and deliver new projects that bring Preludes Music and the Bristol Ensemble closer together, improving the orchestra’s presence, visibility and accessibility for the benefit of all local communities. 

Support Us

To achieve these aims we will need to raise additional funds. We are very grateful to our existing Friends and supporters, and those that have already pledged to help us. Thank you. 

If you would like to make a donation to help the Bristol Ensemble bring more music to more people, please contact us at development@bristolensemble.com for more information. Thank you.