About Us

 
 

Established in 2003 by Anthony Morgan, English Pro Musica is a professional orchestra based in central England which performs in a variety of permutations from chamber ensembles to full symphony orchestra.

During this early period, the orchestra gained a reputation for stylish and interesting performances. 

Highlights from this period include:

  • Performances of the large-scale Missa Salisburgensis by Biber in Peterborough Cathedral and St Mary’s Church, Nottingham.

  • Numerous concerts, often featuring premieres and less well-known repertoire alongside established classics.

  • A performance of music by Handel in Church Langton, Leicestershire with Dame Felicity Lott, Michael Chance, Martyn Hill and Gabriel Woolf. This marked the anniversary of the first performance of Messiah in a parish church, given in that very church 250 years previously.

  • Educational workshops including a large project in Bassetlaw, involving a children’s chorus from 12 schools performing The Flames of Lanka by John Mayer, featuring sitar and muezzin.

“The orchestra displayed a sure grasp of style.”

Revived in 2016 by Peter Lacey, EPM is now managed by Graham and Amanda Gillham

English Pro Musica is keen to continue the legacy and ethos of the orchestra’s foundation, pursuing a varied repertoire including premieres of new works, opera, film and show music, and orchestral classics - as well as nurturing the musicians of the future. 

The orchestra also values its new affiliations with:

Nottingham Trent University

 

Isata Kanneh-Mason performing with English Pro Musica

In 2017 English Pro Musica was appointed Orchestra in Residence at Nottingham Trent University.

Through this partnership the orchestra is delighted to support the musical activities of the university under the musical direction of Matthew Hopkins, and featuring the university's choral groups.

Recent performances have included works by John Rutter, Karl Jenkins and Ola Gjeilo in venues including the Albert Hall, Nottingham, Southwell Minster and the excellent facility in the newly refurbished University Hall. Concerto performances have featured soloists including Joseph Moog, Isata Kanneh-Mason, and Tina Thing Helseth.

2022 performances with Nottingham Trent University include Karl Jenkins' Symphonic Adiemus, and the premiere of Paul Carr's Saxophone Concerto.

A number of the orchestra's players provide instrumental tuition for individuals at the Music Centre. In addition, the EPM/NTU Music Scholarship is offered annually to students who are playing to an extremely high standard. This has enabled recipients to join the orchestra on occasions to gain experience of performing alongside professional musicians.

The inaugural Student Concerto Evening provided a valuable platform for students to perform a short solo accompanied by members of English Pro Musica.

Heritage Opera

 

English Pro Musica ensembles have accompanied the excellent North-West-based Heritage Opera in small scale performances of Madame Butterfly, Cosi fan Tutte, Carmen, Magic Flute, Pirates of Penzance in venues including Bayham Old Abbey, Lamberhurst, Stafford Castle, and Gawsworth Hall.

Let’s Sing

 

English Pro Musica is the regular orchestra for the enterprising choral group Let’s Sing.

Recent concerts have included “A Night in the West End” with Kerry Ellis and “A Night at the Movies” presented by James Nesbitt. 

English Pro Musica partnered with Let’s Sing and local schoolchildren in December 2019 to perform The Snowman Live to excited families across the North of England. Venues included a sold-out Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Choral Societies

 

The orchestra has a longstanding association with Grantham Choral Society. Recent performances include Jonathon Dove’s To An Unknown Warrior, a chamber version of Brahms Requiem and Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius.

We are delighted to renew our association with Ryton Chorale based in Worksop, in forthcoming performances of Faure’s Requiem.

Viva la Musica based in Loughborough.

For many years EPM accompanied the cathedral choir in Easter services at Sheffield Cathedral. 

The orchestra would be delighted to work with other choral societies in the future!

String Quartet

The English Pro Musica String Quartet gave a recital for Spital Arts in Chesterfield in 2018 and has been invited to play again in the forthcoming season.

“We loved it, and more important, our audience did too! I’m sure that in the future we would love to have you back.”

The quartet is available to play for functions and weddings. Repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical music right through to light, jazz and pop music.