Who are we?
In the year 1878 two young amateur musicians, Arthur Christie and Robert Shirar advertised in 'The Scotsman' for players interested in forming an orchestra. The response being satisfactory, Christie, who was a member of St Andrew's Church in George Street, applied for permission to use the church hall for practices. His request was met, a conductor was appointed and the orchestra was named after the church.
The St Andrew Amateur Orchestral Society was founded in 1879 and since its foundation, the orchestra has met regularly and has given concerts every year since then.
This photograph is from the Edinburgh Evening News, circa 1955.
The St Andrew Amateur Orchestral Society was founded in 1879 and since its foundation, the orchestra has met regularly and has given concerts every year since then.
This photograph is from the Edinburgh Evening News, circa 1955.
Our conductor
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Michael Graham has established himself as one of Scotland’s most in-demand and versatile conductors. He has been conductor of the St Andrew Orchestra since autumn 2023. Michael also directs the Falkirk Tryst Orchestra, Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra, Edinburgh Recorder Ensemble, and, as of June 2025, the North-East Recorder Orchestra in Newcastle upon Tyne. As ‘Principal Stick-waver’ of the Really Terrible Orchestra he will collaborate on yet another riotous concert in August 2026 as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. 2026 will also see Michael’s fifth and final year conducting the British Fretted Orchestra, the UK’s national mandolin and guitar ensemble, which included a tour to Germany for a performance at the European Zupfmusik Festival.
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Over the coming months, Michael will have additional guest engagements in Berkshire, Gloucester, Leeds, Manchester, and Royal Tunbridge Wells. He will also perform at festivals in Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Suffolk. In March this year Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra hosted Michael as a guest conductor alongside 15-year-old virtuoso pianist, Rhea Fitzgerald. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Michael has continued his studies with some of the UK’s leading conducting teachers, while receiving mentorship from the London Conducting Academy and the Association of British Choral Directors. Enjoying a broad portfolio career, Michael is an active composer and Director of Music at St Mark’s Episcopal Church Portobello. He also regularly writes as a contributor for several magazines and journals.
Further information available from his website: www.mhgconductor.com
Further information available from his website: www.mhgconductor.com
