new bristol sinfonia

Orchestral autobiography

The New Bristol Sinfonia was founded by Jonathan James and had its first concert in June 1997, and has quickly grown into one of Bristol's most dynamic and prestigious amateur orchestras. It draws on local talent for its members from a variety of professional backgrounds, all who have the common goal of playing to the highest standard possible.

The NBS is a registered charity and as such seeks primarily to educate the general public in the orchestral repertoire by playing a balanced mix of popular and lesser-known works and through both pre-concert talks and introductions to each piece. Its commitment to the city is shown by featuring local artists’ work in the publicity and by commissioning works from composers with links to the region. 2001 saw the launch of a successful education project where orchestra members worked with three primary schools in the city. More recently the orchestra has worked with music students at SWADA, Filton College.

The orchestra has played with such internationally renowned artists as Natalie Clein (cello), Madeline Mitchell (violin), Rafal Zambrzycki Payne (violin), Guy Johnston (cello) and the Swingle Singers and has made several appearances at the International Balloon Fiesta in Bristol.

The orchestra celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2007 with a gala concert at the Colston Hall, performing Mahler Symphony No 2. To read a five star review of this concert click here.

The orchestra performs throughout the year, and will be performing three major concerts during the coming year 2008, at the Victoria Rooms, our regular concert venue. For details of future concerts click here

The orchestra receives little sponsorship and as such relies on audiences and the generosity of its own players to survive. If you would like further information about the orchestra, or ways in which you could support it, please contact Romana Bevington on 07720 770309 or email her by clicking here.

James Lowe, conductor

James Lowe is the Artistic Director of the New Bristol Sinfonia and Artistic Director of the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra. In 2007, Lowe made his North American debut with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Between 2004 and 2007, he was the Associate Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a first class honours degree in music, he began studying conducting in a series of master classes with Finnish pedagogue Jorma Panula. In 2001, he was invited to be the Benjamin Zander Conducting Fellow with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, acting as musical assistant and running educational outreach projects.

One of three finalists in the second BBC Conductors Competition and one of two prize-winners in the 2003 Tokyo International Competition for Conductors, he has worked with the Osaka and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as engagements with other orchestras in many European countries, South Africa and the USA.

Whilst working with the RSNO as Associate Conductor, Lowe conducted the orchestra across the entire range of their performing activities, from regional tours to the Last Night of the Scottish Power Proms and season concerts. Lowe continues his development by working closely with leading conductors in master classes, including Jorma Panula, Neeme Järvi and most recently Bernard Haitink.