NSO
Northampton Symphony Orchestra 2026–27 Season
Great Music. New Discoveries. Unforgettable Experiences.
Join us for a season that combines beloved masterpieces with exciting musical discoveries.
From the brilliance of Shostakovich and Elgar to the passion of Rachmaninoff, the magic of E.T. and My Neighbour Totoro, and the theatrical spectacle of Petrushka and Dance of the Hours, our 2026–27 season offers something for every music lover.
Along the way, we'll also shine a spotlight on remarkable works that deserve to be heard more often, including Ruth Gipps' beautiful Oboe Concerto and Aaron Copland's rarely performed Dance Symphony, inspired by the silent film Nosferatu.
Whether you are a lifelong concertgoer or discovering orchestral music for the first time, we invite you to experience a season filled with colour, imagination, drama, humour and heart.
A Season Ticket offers the best value and guarantees your seat for every concert, allowing you to enjoy the full musical journey from October to June.
Discover new favourites. Revisit cherished masterpieces. Experience live orchestral music at its most exciting.
Season Tickets Available Now
Concerts
Saturday, Oct 24
Saint Matthew's Church
- Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH - Festive Overture, op.96
- Malcolm ARNOLD - Philharmonic Concerto, Op 120
- Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH - Symphony No.9, Op 70, E-flat major
- Malcolm ARNOLD – Little Suite no.3 “Manx”
- Malcolm ARNOLD - The Sound Barrier Rhapsody, Op 38
- Ruth GIPPS - Concerto, Oboe, op.20, D minor
Sunday, Dec 13
Spinney Hill Theatre
To include:
- Deems TAYLOR - Through the Looking Glass, op.12
- John WILLIAMS - E.T.: Adventures on Earth
- Joe HISAISHI - My Neighbour Totoro
- Kristen ANDERSON-LOPEZ - Music from Frozen
- J PIERPONT, arr. John Wasson - Jingle Bells Fantasy
- Carols and Christmas favourites
- Festive beverages and a mince pie at the interval
Saturday, Feb 27
Christ Church
- Richard STRAUSS - Der Rosenkavalier, op.59: Suite
- Ernö DOHNÁNYI - Variations on a Nursery Song, op.25 for Piano and Orchestra
- Edward ELGAR - Symphony No.1, op.55, A-flat major
Saturday, Apr 17
Spinney Hill Theatre
- Léo DELIBES – Prelude and Les Chasseresses from “Sylvia”
- Aaron COPLAND – A Dance Symphony
- Manuel de FALLA – Suite no 2 from “The Three Cornered Hat”
- Igor STRAVINSKY - Petrushka
Saturday, Jun 19
Christ Church Northampton
- Franz LISZT - Les Préludes, S.97 (Symphonic Poem No.3)
- Max BRUCH - Concerto, Clarinet & Viola, op.88, E minor
- Sergei RACHMANINOFF - Symphony no. 3, op.44, A minor
About us
Founded in 1893, the Northampton Symphony Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom's top amateur symphony orchestras. Our membership is drawn from excellent amateurs, teachers, former professional musicians and students in and around Northamptonshire. Most members have achieved at least Grade VIII on their instrument.
With Musical Director, John Gibbons, we perform regularly in Northampton's many classical music venues with top professional soloists in repertoire that encompasses all styles of classical music. Rehearsals usually take place on a Wednesday evening during school term time.
We are supported by an active and flourishing Friends' scheme that provides many exclusive benefits for supporters.
The Northampton Symphony Orchestra's excellence in amateur music making has led to invitations to play in various local music festivals (such as the one celebrating local composer, Malcolm Arnold and the Northampton Music Festival) and collaborations with other local music ensembles.
Friends of NSO
It is said you can’t buy friendship, but you can buy exclusive membership to the NSO Friends’ Scheme. Why not pay for a friend to become a Friend? It’s a great gift to give.
For a minimum donation of £25 a year, you can become a Friend of the orchestra. There are a number of exclusive benefits available through the Friends’ scheme, and your contribution plays an important part in funding our concerts and securing the orchestra’s future. As a Friend, you will receive:
- Two free tickets to the Friends’ concert and buffet
- A discount on all concert tickets (including the season ticket)
- Regular NSO newsletters about forthcoming concerts
- A free programme each concert
- Your name printed in our programmes and website
A heart-felt thank you goes to