The Wirral Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is one of the most exciting non-professional orchestras in the land. Resident in Hoylake, it has been delighting audiences throughout Wirral, Cheshire, and beyond since 1983.
Celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2008, the Orchestra appointed Jonathan Small*, former Principal Oboe of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra*, as its Conductor.
The WSO’s wide repertoire covers music from all eras and has included world premières and special commissions from local composers. Concerts & Tickets
The WSO combined with Crosby Symphony Orchestra* to perform the “Alpine Symphony” [2019] and “The Planets” [2025] at The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
The WSO has established a joyous link with the Ensemble Vocal Renaissance Choir from Le Havre. Joint performances from 2014-2026 have included Duruflé’s Requiem, Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, Haydn’s Creation, Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem and Verdi’s Requiem in Hoylake, Liverpool, Chester and Normandy.
Benefiting the community
Our charitable aim is to benefit the local community, and to encourage and engage local young talent in composition and concert performances.
Two such rising stars are Helen Charlesworth and Will Bracken.
Helen Charlesworth*, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, Wallasey Town Hall, 2013. Helen’s playing career includes the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic* and BBC Philharmonic* Orchestras.
Will Bracken*, Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3, The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, June 2025
Honorary Presidents and Patrons
Vasily Petrenko*, Conductor Laureate of the RLPO was the WSO’s Honorary President from 2011 to 2021. Vasily took a rehearsal with the WSO in 2016 and commented, “It is a great pleasure to see a large group of musicians not only maintaining traditions of music- making, but being ambitious and working toward their own improvement and progress. This is what I believe is the way to a great future!”
Andrew Manze*, Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra*, became the WSO’s Honorary President in 2021.
The Patron of the Wirral Symphony Orchestra is the Mayor of Wirral*. The orchestra has supported the Wirral Mayors Charity* with concerts at venues including The Pacific Road Arts Centre, Wallasey Town Hall and at Hope Church.