Our players are the heart and soul of the orchestra
The Sussex Symphony Orchestra is an eclectic mix of both professional and amateur players. Music teachers, full-time players and students sit next to financial advisors, writers, office managers and engineers. What we have in common is our love of live classical music and our ability to perform to the highest standards on just one rehearsal.
If you live or work in Sussex and would like to join the Sussex Symphony Orchestra, find out about auditioning for the orchestra here.
Here are some of our musicians:
Sophia Bartlette (Leader)
Sophia Bartlette is a violinist, conductor, educator and creative producer whose work spans orchestral and chamber music, arts education and interdisciplinary projects. She is the founder of Dynamic Strings, bringing musicians together through innovative workshops and chamber music courses. Alongside performing and conducting, she develops and produces creative projects connecting music, visual art and other disciplines.
How long have you played with SSO, and what do you enjoy most about being part of the orchestra?
I first guest-led SSO over 15 years ago and have been its leader for the past six years. There’s a real joy in making music together, with a wonderful mix of ambitious repertoire and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. And of course, no rehearsal would be quite the same without Elizabeth’s legendary break-time cakes!
What first inspired you to take up the violin?
I don’t actually remember choosing the violin — one was put into my hands when I was two, and my mother taught me to play. I learnt to read music before I could read words, so I suppose music has always been my first language!
What place does music have in your life beyond SSO?
Music runs through pretty much every part of my life. I love all the different facets of being a musician, from performing and conducting to teaching and bringing people together through music. But it’s not all classical — I love going to band gigs with my daughter, and I make playlists for just about every mood and occasion. I can’t really imagine a life without music.
Helen Beckingham (principal bassoon)
“I’m not full-time musician. I work as a copywriter and mix this with freelance p“laying around Sussex. I’m often asked why I started playing the bassoon. Actually, it was curiosity.
When I was 9 years old my primary school music teacher, Mr Green, told me that I should play the bassoon. He said, “I think it would suit you”. I didn’t know what a bassoon was so I asked my dad, and he played me the beginning of Mozart’s Requiem. I was hooked.
I first met Mark in a woodwind section, about 35 years ago when the SSO was a mere glint in his eye. We were playing Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella”, Mark was playing 1st oboe and I seem to remember he went very purple. I’m proud to say that I played at the first ever Sussex Symphony Orchestra concert in Hove Town Hall on the 28th January 1993. I love playing with this orchestra. We have a unique character, a truly distinctive sound and a superb woodwind section (OK, I may be biased). Most importantly, the SSO has the most wonderful man at the front waving his arms around with skill, humour and love. I’m proud to call him my friend.
Finally, I just want to say that the bassoon is without doubt the coolest instrument in the orchestra. I get to play some of the juiciest tunes in the classical repertoire on the most sonorous and flexible of instruments; and nothing can describe the joy, or the unique reedy “razz”, of playing ‘ffff’ alongside 2 bassoons and the filthy beast that is the contra bassoon. Thank you, Mr Green. You were right.”