Patrons: Sir John Egan, Peter Donohoe, CBE

Acknowledged as one of the best non-professional orchestras in the country, the WSO has established a reputation for its imaginative programmes and exciting, full symphonic sound.

The WSO has been performing in Leamington since 1940, and as the Leamington Orchestral society before that. Its players are drawn from all over the county and beyond. The Royal Spa Centre was the orchestra’s regular venue following its opening in 1972 with a concert given by the WSO. More recently the orchestra has played in the Guy Nelson Hall and in the churches of St. Mary, Warwick and All Saints, Leamington Spa. Over the years the orchestra has worked with many illustrious soloists such as Janet Baker, Julian Bream, Peter Donohoe, Leon Goossens and Tasmin Little. Guy Woolfenden, permanent conductor from 1972-2012, succeeded a line of distinguished past conductors, and has enhanced the WSO tradition of achieving the very highest musical standard. The orchestra’s principal conductor is now Roger Coull, and the associate conductor, Paul Leddington Wright.

The WSO is proud of its association with Coventry Cathedral Chorus (Previously Known as Saint Michael’s Singers of Coventry Cathedral), the Royal Leamington Spa Bach Choir, Collegium Warwick and The Choirs of St. Mary’s Church, Warwick, with which it has performed several major works, including Holst’s The Planets, Berlioz’ Te Deum, Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony and Verdi’s Requiem.