The new orchestra with an energetic social mission

The Bath Festival Orchestra is the newly announced resident chamber orchestra of The Bath Festival.

With energetic social purpose, the relaunch of the chamber orchestra sets centre stage today’s generation of extraordinary musicians from the European musical tradition, and highlights the particular skills that young talent can contribute to the development of the performing arts.

Originally formed in 1959 by Yehudi Menuhin, the orchestra was the musical heart of The Bath Festival, a week-long celebration of literature and music which takes place each May in our world-heritage city.

Now, as the first orchestra to launch after the COVID pandemic started, the new BFO will harness the latest digital technologies and reimagine for all young people the experience of a classical orchestral concert.

In December, in Bath’s magnificent Guildhall, the BFO previews its full launch which will take place as part of the May 2021 Bath Festival. We have agreement in principle for a live BBC recording at our first, formal festival appearance.