We warmly welcome the support and contributions to our organisation, to enable our work in the community and continue bringing music to people in the UK and abroad. We are grateful to all those who donate, find out more about our programmes or explore how you can help us deliver and fund our work.
About the ECO
Become a Friend or Patron
The English Chamber Orchestra is one of the world’s leading chamber orchestras, having performed in more countries than any other orchestra, recorded thousands of works, and played with the world’s greatest musicians in its six decades of history. Prided upon on celebrating and building upon its tradition of maintaining the highest international musical standards, nurturing new talent and focussing on the ‘best of British’ music and musicianship.
Founded
In
1960
HM King Charles III Patron Since
1977
Recorded Works
Over
900
Close Encounters Relaunched In
2020
What’s On
Upcoming Events
27
Jan
27
January
2026
Holocaust Memorial Day at Imperial War Museum
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, we present a specially commissioned programme in collaboration with Imperial War Museums, reflecting on the lives of those who survived the Holocaust and honouring[...]
07
Feb
07
February
2026
The Four Seasons at Dorking Halls
We are delighted to be visiting Dorking with our Leader & Principal Stephanie Gonley performing a wonderful programme of classics including Vivaldi's Four Seasons
08
Feb
08
February
2026
Mozart & Haydn at Vinehall
On 8 February, we present an afternoon of colour and character, led by Stephanie Gonley. From Holst and Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto with Nikolaj Henriques to our first Patron Britten’s Simple[...]
27
Feb
27
February
2026
Vivaldi & Classics in Cambridge
This programme brings together music of elegance, energy and colour, from Purcell’s Chaconne in G minor and Bach’s radiant E major Violin Concerto, to Mozart’s Divertimento in B♭ and Vivaldi’s[...]
26
Mar
26
March
2026
Serenades for Strings at Sheffield City Hall
Our Leader & Principal Stephanie Gonley brings her experience and dedication to this exquisite all-string programme. 50 years after his death, Britten’s creativity is brilliantly captured in his vibrant Variations[...]
27
Mar
27
March
2026
The Dream of Gerontius at Winchester Cathedral
Experience the full drama of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, a monumental work of profound spiritual depth and emotional intensity, with three outstanding soloists including Dame Sarah Connolly appearing in the[...]
28
Mar
28
March
2026
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Oxford
We perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, one of the most enduring and vivid works in the violin repertoire. Praised by The Guardian as “a knockout from start to finish”, Harriet Mackenzie[...]