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
Our conductor is John Glenesk Mortimer. John has conducted and played in Scotland and Switzerland as well as having been a composer and arranger for many years. He has conducted the orchestra since 2006.
You can find out more about John at his own website by clicking here.
You can find out more about John at his own website by clicking here.