Who We Are
The Ealing Symphony Orchestra is an independent orchestra based in West London, giving around five-six main concerts a year. Established in 1922, the Orchestra has come to be seen as a leading voluntary orchestra on the London music scene, building a reputation for performing works which are a bit ‘out of the ordinary’, alongside more classical repertoire.
The orchestra has been under the baton of John Gibbons since 1994, and through this association has played a leading role in promoting British music by performing the less well-known works of British composers. The orchestra has performed a cycle of all nine Malcolm Arnold symphonies, as well as delivering the world premieres of William Alwyn's Violin Concerto and Second Piano Concerto, and Robert Still's Violin Concerto. Other notable performances include the world premiere concert performance of Charles Ives's Third Orchestra Set, and a rare performance of Fuga Solemnis by Franz Schmidt.
The orchestra performs mainly in West London, but concerts further afield have included: the prestigious Malcolm Arnold Festival in Northampton (UK) where the orchestra gave the world premiere of Arnold’s comic opera ‘The Dancing Master’; the inaugural concert of the amphitheatre at ‘La Mortella’ in Ischia (Italy) — a concert in honour of Lady Walton’s 80th birthday; and a performance of Vaughan Williams’s ‘Sea Symphony’ in Worms (Germany); as well as two performances at the Cesis Arts Festival (Latvia).
Approximately 50 players are permanent members of the orchestra, with many having reached an advanced level in their musical training. Auditions are held for the wind and brass sections, but string players are welcome to join, provided they have achieved the minimum musical qualification.
The ESO receives no public funding and covers its costs through a subscription fee to its members as well as some financial assistance from friends of the orchestra and sponsorship from local businesses.
John Gibbons, musical director
John has conducted most of the major British orchestras and features in an extensive recording catalogue. An alumnus of Queens’ College, Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal College of Music, John is renowned for his efforts to place British music at the forefront of the live performing scene.
John has been ESO’s musical director since 1994.
Peter Nall, leader
Growing up in a music-loving family, Peter started violin lessons at an early age, first at the Leicestershire Schools of Music and then at the Royal College of Music, and has enjoyed a successful career of solo, chamber, and orchestral performances, as well as dealing in fine stringed instruments and bows.
Peter has been ESO’s regular leader since 2012.
David Way, viola lead
A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music, David started his musical life as a violinist. He has worked with orchestras in the UK and in Norway.
David joined the ESO viola section in 2018.
Rachael Bucknall, cello lead
Rachael graduated with first class honours from Trinity College, London. Her career has been varied, from active engagement in chamber music to touring in the support band for Blur, as well as one-to-one tuition.
Rachael has been with the ESO since 1998.