Welcome to the British Police Symphony Orchestra website
A message from our Chair
Craig Guildford QPM VR DL
Chief Constable, West Midlands Police
Music connects with people in a deep and meaningful way. It unites and has the power to transform lives. I know this from my personal experience with music and from seeing the benefits of Playout, the orchestra’s youth outreach programme.
As well as traditional symphonic pieces, the orchestra has evolved over the years and now play everything from Bollywood classics and show tunes to 80s ska music and rock, all with the aim of reaching new, diverse audiences. They have collaborated with international artists and performers as varied as Rick Wakeman, Kurly McGeachie, Jerry Dammers and Suad Bushnaq.
The orchestra members are not just highly skilled musicians who have entertained audiences around the world, they are dedicated police officers, police staff and members of the wider criminal justice system. Each year they provide nearly 8,000 hours of their own time raising money for charity and undertaking youth outreach projects. Through music, they are able to help children and young people learn new skills, share their stories and realise their potential.
I’m proud of the British Police Symphony Orchestra and honoured to be their chair. If you are passionate about music, I would encourage you to become a member, attend one of our performances, commission our outreach service or even consider sponsorship.