Founded in 1993

There aren’t many people who wake up one day and think, “Hey, I know! I’ll start a full-size symphony orchestra…”


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 30 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.