Even fewer actually manage to do it. The Sussex Symphony Orchestra owes its existence to the vision and passion of its founder, Mark Andrew James. Established in January 1993, the orchestra has always been proud to call Brighton its home. Our membership comprises a diverse blend of highly skilled musicians, both professional and talented amateurs, who reside or work in Sussex.

Over the past 33 years, the Sussex Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with esteemed local choirs, including the Sussex Chorus and the Brighton Festival Chorus. We have had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned performers such as cellist Guy Johnston, violinist Magnus Johnston, pianist John Lill, and vocalists Katherine Jenkins, Aled Jones, and Lesley Garrett.

While the majority of our performances take place in Brighton and various venues across Sussex, we occasionally venture beyond these borders. In a memorable event from 2012, we surprised passengers in the bustling departures lounge at Heathrow Airport, all while being captured on film for a captivating British Airways advertisement.

The Sussex Symphony Orchestra continues to enrich the lives of audiences through memorable live music experiences. With unwavering dedication to our craft, we strive to maintain a harmonious balance between professionalism and approachability, ensuring that our performances are both engaging and enjoyable for all. 

The Sussex Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was founded in 1993 by its current Music Director, Mark Andrew James  and has gone on to be described as ‘One of the best of its kind in the country’ (Judith Clarke, Head, South East Arts). Such was the confidence in the SSO, in 1994, it won a major grant from the National Lottery to purchase equipment.

The Orchestra, a full symphony orchestra, performs with eighty-two players and often more according to the demands of the music being performed. The SSO is composed of gifted musicians, both professional, amateur and students combining the highest levels of musical excellence with a spirit of social responsibility through a shared love of music.

Mindful of our audiences, all programming includes well-loved favorites, together with lesser-known works and world premier performances of works written by local composers, such as Peter Copley, Paul Lewis, Paul Carr, Barry Mills and Guy Richardson.

We are proud to perform enormous works such as Mahler Symphonies 1,2&5, Shostakovitch Symphonies 5&10, Mussorgsky, Pictures at an exhibition, Berlioz, Symphony Fantastique, music that would normally be heard only in major ‘centers’.

The SSO is also proud to be able to say that only people who either work or live within Sussex are invited to play, so it is truly a ‘Sussex’ organization; an orchestra ‘from the community, for the community’

The SSO is committed to the region and involves many other local organizations, such as the Brighton Festival Chorus, Sussex Chorus, Burgess Hill Choral Society, Worthing Philharmonic Choir, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and Brighton Orpheus Choir. Children from regional schools have also performed with the SSO, including Roedean, Brighton College, Boundstone Community College, Newmans School and  Christ’s Hospital School. It is also committed to supporting local artists and offers the opportunity to the Sussex Young Musician winner to perform with the orchestra, providing a platform to the performer to gain experience and promote their talents.

The sound of the orchestra is unique in its versatility,’ huge’, ‘warm’, ‘electric and passionate’ and also ‘extraordinary’ - Sir Charles Mackeras.

SSO concerts are not to be missed. Our regular venue is All Saints Church, Hove, BN3 3QE, but we have performed at other venues in both East and West Sussex, as well as guest appearances in Southampton.  

Our ticket prices include concessions for students and children, older guests, and families of four.

Full details of our events can be found at www.sussexsymphony.org.

We look forward to welcoming you at any of our concerts, you will become part of the SSO ‘Family’ .