Lunchtime Concert - The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra

The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra was created on 1 April 2014 as part of recent changes within the Corps of Army Music. There has been a long tradition of string playing in the BritishArmy, particularly associated with the orchestra of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, in existence for over 250 years, and proud to have been the first professional orchestra in Britain.

The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra can however trace its heritage back to ‘The King’s Musick’ of strings from the time of the Restoration in England which was eventually to form the basis of Queen Victoria’s private band in the nineteenth century.

The Orchestra performs a variety of music, ranging from classical to pop, in various settings both in the United Kingdom and abroad, most recently in Jordan and Algeria. As well as playing core string orchestra repertoire and salon music, the Orchestra utilises the very latest technology performing on electric string instrumentsand reading from digital scores. Engagements are varied and include: investitures, ceremonies at Royal Households, state banquets and dinners, Support to army regiments and corps, Defence engagement activity and international short term training teams

The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra is based at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich and is proud to be named after the Corps of Army Music’s Colonel-in-Chief.