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 is a conductor and composer based in Edinburgh. After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, he has continued to study under some of the UK’s leading conducting teachers, including Sian Edwards, Martyn Brabbins, and Denise Ham. He regularly attends other orchestral masterclasses around the UK and Europe. A recipient of the University of Edinburgh Ian Pitt-Watson Conducting Prize in 2013, Michael was also delighted to receive the Wagner Society of Scotland’s Bayreuth Scholarship in 2019 which funded a study tour of Germany. Michael has also completed an Apprentice Conductor scheme through the Association of British Choral Directors. This involved a placement with the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir and mentorship from choral specialist Alan Tavener.
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In addition to the St Andrew Orchestra, Michael currently conducts the Falkirk Tryst Orchestra, Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra, and Edinburgh Recorder Ensemble. Since 2020 he has been ‘Principal Stick Waver’ of Edinburgh’s world notorious Really Terrible Orchestra and continues this relationship for their Edinburgh Fringe concert in August 2024. He has also been conductor of the British Fretted Orchestra, the UK’s national mandolin-guitar ensemble. He makes frequent appearances as a guest conductor at engagements and festivals around the UK.
Michael serves as Director of Music at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Portobello, and regularly writes as a contributor for several magazine and journals while maintaining a steady output as a composer.
Further information available from his website: www.mhgconductor.com
Michael serves as Director of Music at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Portobello, and regularly writes as a contributor for several magazine and journals while maintaining a steady output as a composer.
Further information available from his website: www.mhgconductor.com
