Mahler Symphony No. 6

Stroud Symphony Orchestra

The Stroud Symphony Orchestra was formed as the New Stroud Orchestra in 1980 by Bruce Critchenson and through his enthusiasm and encouragement grew from a dozen assorted players to a full symphony orchestra. In 1987, having brought the orchestra through a period of improving musical standards and ever more successes, Bruce retired and handed the baton to the then principal clarinettist, Nick Spain, who for two years continued Bruce’s work. The orchestra was then fortunate to secure the services of Jan Vriend who was, and is, best known as a composer producing music in the tradition of Debussy, Varese and Xenakis. When Jan retired from conducting to devote himself full time to composing, the orchestra appointed Jonathan Trim. In 1997 the orchestra members voted to change the name of the orchestra to its present name as it was felt that a seventeen-year-old orchestra hardly justified the title ‘New’ and that Symphony Orchestra was a more accurate reflection of the type of orchestra into which it had developed. The orchestra draws its members almost entirely from the Stroud district, and is proud to be able to present three concerts each year to the high standard which the people of Stroud have come to expect. The orchestra has, over time, been supported by sponsors who include Stroud-based businesses and Stroud Town Council.…

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