Bristol Ensemble

Richter and Vivaldi – A Glorious Summer
2025-06-12 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ, United Kingdom
Experience one of Bristol’s most anticipated choral performances this summer at Bristol Cathedral. Join the Bristol Cathedral Choir and Bristol Ensemble as they unite for a stunning performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria, known for its uplifting choral energy. The evening will also feature Max Richter’s innovative reimagining of The Four Seasons, blending Vivaldi’s iconic composition with modern elements for a fresh, exciting take.
The concert will be complemented by lesser-known pieces from contemporary composers such as Ola Gjeilo and Henryk Gorécki, whose atmospheric works provide a perfect contrast to the evening’s repertoire.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Bristol Cathedral, this concert offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy world-class choral and instrumental music in one of the city’s most remarkable settings. The Cathedral’s breathtaking acoustics enhance every note, making it the ideal place to experience these powerful compositions.
Bristol Cathedral Choir, conducted by Mark Lee, Director of Music, is a dedicated and talented ensemble known for their exceptional performances, especially during their beloved Carols by Candlelight service. With a strong commitment to excellence, the choir practices regularly to deliver beautiful and moving music at services and special events throughout the year.
Doors open: 6:30pm
Performance starts: 7:00pm
Format: Reserved seating
Age: Suitable for all ages

Preludes Music school concerts
2025-06-10 | Bristol, Bristol
Bristol Ensemble’s new project BE Inspired was launched in Spring 2024 to bring Bristol Ensemble performances and interactive learning experiences to children who may otherwise be unlikely to access live music and culture.
BE Inspired includes visits to schools by a 12-piece orchestra, performances of engaging and relevant classical and contemporary pieces, and interactive sessions where strings, woodwind and brass instruments are introduced, and children can ask questions and get involved.

Preludes Music school concerts
2025-06-09 | Swindon, Swindon

Nailsworth: Mozart and More
2025-06-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Christ Church, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0DQ, United Kingdom
Join the Bristol Ensemble for Mozart and More, a recital of delightful classical-era music.
Opening with Mozart’s Duo Concertante, presented in a rarely heard sextet arrangement, the concert explores both the timeless and the inventive. Alongside the elegance of Haydn, Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte brings a modern twist—drawing from Haydn’s own work but venturing into a whimsical, mirror-world where tradition transforms into vibrant new forms.
Tea and cakes served at 4pm.
Tickets £15, available on the door and online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nailsworth-mozart-and-more-tickets-1270337055329

Henleaze Concert Society: Mozart and More
2025-06-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Join the Bristol Ensemble for Mozart and More, an evening of delightful classical-era music. Opening with Mozart’s Duo Concertante, presented in a rarely heard sextet arrangement, the concert explores both the timeless and the inventive. Alongside the elegance of Haydn, Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte brings a modern twist—drawing from Haydn’s own work but venturing into a whimsical, mirror-world where tradition transforms into vibrant new forms.
Pre-concert talk with Steve Clarke begins at 6.45pm. Doors open at 6.15pm for the talk and at 7.15pm for the concert only.
Individual concert prices
Tickets for Henleaze Concert Society members £15
Tickets for non members £18
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
You can also book by sending a cheque payable to Henleaze Concert Society, covering note and SAE to 2 Saville Mews, Kingsdown Parade, Bristol BS6 5UL
Tickets are available on the door from 6.15pm.
Season Tickets and Annual Society Membership
Season tickets are only £85 including Society Membership and admission to all six concerts from September to July. Alternatively, becoming a member of Henleaze Concert Society for £12 entitles you to book tickets for individual concerts at the members’ discounted rate. Season tickets and membership are available to buy by post by returning the Ticket Order Form with your payment and a stamped addressed envelope.

Breathe Music: Mozart and More
2025-06-06 20:30 - 21:30, 2025-06-06 18:30 - 19:30 | The Crown, Pilton, Conduit Square, Pilton, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4EA, United Kingdom
Join the Bristol Ensemble for Mozart and More, an evening of wonderful music at The Crown, Pilton. Featuring Mozart’s Duo Concertante, presented in a rarely heard sextet arrangement, the concert explores both the timeless and the inventive. Alongside the elegance of Haydn, Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte brings a modern twist—drawing from Haydn’s own work but venturing into a whimsical, mirror-world where tradition transforms into vibrant new forms. Mozart and More promises an evening of captivating contrasts and delicate transitions.
There will be two separate one-hour performances of the programme on the evening. The first will start at 6.30pm, the second at 8.30pm. With an early start, the 6.30pm performance encourages a family experience! When purchasing your ticket, just choose your preferred time.
Settle in with a glass of wine, relax, and experience this outstanding musical offering in the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of The Crown—a village pub with a history as rich as the music itself.

BE Together
2025-06-05 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-02 11:00 - 15:00
This year, Bristol Ensemble are hosting another round of ‘BE Together’ concerts, bringing live orchestral music, collaboration, and creativity, to older people in different settings across Bristol and the local region.
Each visit will be tailored to the recipient group and involve a performance by four professional musicians (a singer, pianist, violinist, and cellist) who play for the Bristol Ensemble, plus joint musical or singing activities.
Musicians will perform a varied programme of recognisable and poignant pieces, designed to inspire memories, delight, bring joy, and offer comfort and solace to audiences. The programme will feature classical pieces, music from theatre or film, and/or popular music.
We are grateful to The Grateful Society for their support towards this project.

Breathe Music: Norton sub Hamdon
2025-05-30 19:30 - 22:00 | Norton-sub-Hamdon Village Hall, New Road, Norton-sub-Hamdon, TA14 6SF
Join us for Postcards from Tchaikovsky, an evening of rich and evocative string music inspired by the composer’s travels. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s passionate Souvenir de Florence and the deeply expressive Andante Cantabile, performed by cello soloist Harriet Wiltshire, this program brings to life the places that shaped his musical world. Tchaikovsky often visited Paris to hear Mozart’s Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro, so expect a touch of Mozart alongside other hidden gems from the cities he adored. A journey in music not to be missed!
A bar and refreshments will be available before the event and during the interval.
Please let us know if you have any special access or disability requirements.

Tasting Tunes
2025-05-23 19:30 - 21:30 | 1904 Arts Club, The Red Lodge, Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5LJ, United Kingdom
As part of the Bristol Ensemble’s Tasting Tunes series of musical wine-tasting events, this evening will celebrate a selection of fine French wines alongside the iconic music of beloved French artist Édith Piaf.
Imagine a cozy and intimate setting, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and listen to the beautiful sounds of a live string quartet.
You’ll be welcomed to the 1904 Arts Club, a hidden gem behind the Red Lodge Museum, with its quirky artefacts and cabaret-style seating. As the candles flicker, you’ll be treated to a live performances of Edith Piaf’s iconic music including Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien and La Vie En Rose by the Bristol Ensemble, the city’s leading professional orchestra.
You’ll also get to taste four fine French wines, carefully selected by Oboe Fine Wines, who are known for their quality, sustainability and biodiversity. They’ll take you on a journey through each wine, sharing the stories behind the music and the regions they come from.
What’s included?

A live string quartet performance of Édith Piaf’s iconic music
To celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the death of Erik Satie the ensemble also performs Trois Gymnopédies
Four fine French wines, expertly selected by Oboe Fine Wines
Guided wine-tasting experience with insights into the music and regions
An intimate, candlelit setting at the 1904 Arts Club
A unique evening of culture, music, and fine wine in a cabaret-style venue

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a fun outing with friends, or a chance to meet new people, this event is perfect for you. You’ll have a vibrant and relaxing evening, full of culture, flavour and joy!
Tickets are £40 per adult (£70 for two), available now online at www.yuup.co

Preludes Music concert: Hope and Light
2025-05-22 12:30 - 14:15 | St Mary Redcliffe Church, Colston Parade, BS1 6RA
300 local children from Bristol Ensemble’s award-winning music education programme take to the stage to perform in their annual Preludes Music concert.
The children will be supported by the Preludes Music band and Bristol Ensemble players, delivering a wonderful learning experience for the children, and a fantastic concert for audience members.
Preludes Music is an education programme run by the Bristol Ensemble. Preludes has been working with children in under-resourced local communities for 15 years – delivering music education and life-enriching cultural experiences to children who have few opportunities to access music and the arts. This year, the programme will reach around 4,500 children.

Preludes Music school concerts
2025-05-19, 2025-05-06 | Weston-super-Mare, Weston-super-Mare

Shostakovich 50
2025-05-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Viv McLean Pianist
Dmitri Shostakovich
Piano Concerto No.2 in F Op.102
Chamber Symphony in C minor No.110a
The Gadfly Suite
Waltz No.2

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Known for his music’s unique blend of mockery, irony, grandeur, and despair, Shostakovich’s vast body of work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

With 15 symphonies, 15 string quartets, operas, and chamber works, his music is a testament to his mastery of large-scale forms. It often reflects the tumultuous spirit of his time while also expressing his deeply personal and enduring vision.

Join the Bristol Ensemble in celebrating this musical icon, featuring the acclaimed soloist Viv McLean performing the breathtaking Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Op. 102, a work known for its radiant energy, lyrical beauty, and exhilarating virtuosity.

Tickets from £12 to £30 plus St George’s booking fees, available from the box office by phone on 0117 929 4929, over the counter at St George’s Bristol, and online at www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-ensemble-shostakovich-50

Nailsworth: Strauss and Beethoven
2025-05-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Christ Church, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0DQ, United Kingdom
Richard Strauss Suite for 13 Wind Instruments in B flat major, Op. 4
Beethoven Octet in E flat major Op.103
The Bristol Ensemble’s wind players perform two chamber music masterpieces. Richard Strauss had just turned 17 when he composed his Suite For 13 Wind Instruments in 1881. The music itself is melodic and lyrical, revelling in the rich, full sound of the ensemble. Beethoven’s Octet is another youthful work, a tuneful and sunny summation of the charm and colour of classical wind chamber music.
Tea and cakes served at 4pm.
Tickets £15 (£13 for those on low incomes), available on the door and online at www.eventbrite.com. Under 18s free of charge.

Mozart by Candlelight
2025-05-10 19:30 - 21:30 | St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna, Chew Magna, BS40 8SF, United Kingdom
Ganz Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart’s newly rediscovered work)
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in G, K.525
Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K.622 (arr. Berg)
Excerpts from The Marriage of Figaro
Divertimento in F major K.138
The Bristol Ensemble’s highly entertaining Mozart by Candlelight concert takes you on a journey through some of Mozart’s best loved works with interesting and amusing anecdotes offering an insight into the mind of this genius composer.
Principals of the Bristol Ensemble strings and Clarinet will give you a thrilling evening of original works and arrangements drawing you into the world of Mozart in 1700s Salzburg and Vienna.
We will also be performing a newly discovered work by Mozart – Ganz Kleine Nachtmusik, which was only recently attributed to the young Mozart aged 11 and had its first public performance in Salzburg in September.

Henleaze Concert Society: Blown Away
2025-05-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
Richard Strauss Suite for 13 Wind Instruments in B flat major, Op. 4
Beethoven Octet in E flat major Op.103
The Bristol Ensemble’s wind return to perform two chamber music masterpieces. Richard Strauss had just turned 17 when he composed his Suite for 13 Wind Instruments in 1881. The music itself is melodic and lyrical, revelling in the rich, full sound of the ensemble. Beethoven’s Octet is another youthful work, a tuneful and sunny summation of the charm and colour of classical wind chamber music.
Pre-concert talk with Steve Clarke begins at 6.45pm. Doors open at 6.15pm for the talk and at 7.15pm for the concert only.
Individual concert prices
Tickets for Henleaze Concert Society members £15
Tickets for non members £18
Under 25 year olds £5
The ticket price includes a programme and interval drink.
How to book
Book tickets online
You can also book by sending a cheque payable to Henleaze Concert Society, covering note and SAE to 2 Saville Mews, Kingsdown Parade, Bristol BS6 5UL
Tickets are available on the door from 6.15pm.
Season Tickets and Annual Society Membership
Season tickets are only £85 including Society Membership and admission to all six concerts from September to July. Alternatively, becoming a member of Henleaze Concert Society for £12 entitles you to book tickets for individual concerts at the members’ discounted rate. Season tickets and membership are available to buy by post by returning the Ticket Order Form with your payment and a stamped addressed envelope.

Music for Miniatures
2025-05-10 10:30 - 11:15 | Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol, BS9 4BT, United Kingdom
A string trio from Bristol Ensemble performs a variety of music for you and your little one.

The Lark Ascending and Pastoral Themes
2025-05-09 19:30 - 22:00 | St John’s Church, Church Street, Frome, BA11 1PL
Bristol Ensemble
William Drakett baritone
Come and join us in the beautiful St John’s church in Frome, to enjoy a wonderful candlelit evening of English pastoralism and American lyricism. Principals from The Bristol Ensemble, plus special guest William Drakett (member of the Vicar Choral in the choir of Wells Cathedral), will delight you with this glorious programme.
From the lyrical elegance of Lark in the Clear Air to the soaring melodies of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, this program promises to transport you to new heights. Experience Schubert’s delightful Hark, Hark the Lark and the lively first movement of Haydn’s Lark Quartet, all highlighting the charm and grace of the lark.
We’ll also delve into the profound depths of Barber’s Adagio for Strings and the evocative Dover Beach, which will leave you spellbound. Rounding out the evening is Warlock’s vibrant Capriol Suite, a joyful celebration of dance and melody.

Nailsworth: Quartet for the End of Time
2025-04-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Christ Church, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0DQ, United Kingdom
Olivier Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time
In a change to the previously-advertised programme, Bristol Ensemble performs Olivier Messiaen’s hauntingly beautiful 8-movement work Quartet for the End of Time. Considered to be one of his most important works, Messiaen wrote the piece whilst held as a prisoner of war in German captivity, and it was first performed by his fellow prisoners.
Tea and cakes served at 4pm.
Tickets £15 (£13 for those on low incomes), available online from Eventbrite or on the door. Under 18s free of charge.

MiniBeats - Super Strings!
2025-04-13 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-04-13 10:30 - 11:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Join Presenter Laura Tanner and our fantastic MiniBeats string players (2 violins, viola and cello) for a fun and interactive introduction to the sensational sound of string instruments! After the show, you are invited to get creative over in the Glass Studio.
St George’s MiniBeats in association with the Bristol Ensemble
Tickets: £9 (children & adults); 4-for-3 family ticket available
10.30am show Concert most suitable for under 5s
12.30pm show Concert most suitable for 4 – 8 year olds
Ages are guidelines only; both concerts are relaxed performances where everyone is welcome!
MiniMakers crafting sessions
Times: after each MiniBeats show
FREE to MiniBeats ticket holders!

The Secret Life of Vivaldi
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Discover the extraordinary story of the remarkable rise of Antonio Vivaldi – from baker’s son to “Europe’s greatest composer” – in the world premiere of a unique event combining live orchestra, choir and starring acclaimed actor Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones, Star Wars) as Vivaldi.
What was the truth about the mysterious life of Vivaldi? What was the scandal involving Vivaldi and the beautiful prima donna, Anna Giro? Why was Vivaldi banned from Ferrara by the Archbishop of the city? Why did the Patrician families of 18th century Venice regard Vivaldi with so much suspicion and contempt? What made “Europe’s greatest composer” die in poverty, a broken man, far away from his home in Venice?
“Miltos Yerolemou is a fantastic actor – he brings Vivaldi to life! I think people will be fascinated by the trials and tribulation of Vivaldi’s life and his character.” Roger Huckle, Music Director of Bristol Ensemble
Featuring many rarely-performed works, including stunning excerpts from his choral masterpieces – Nisi Dominus, Credo, Stabat Mater, Juditha Triumphans, and operas like Orlando, Arsilda, Otone in Villa and Dorilla in Tempe, plus breathtaking music from his opuses such as La Stravaganza and La Cetra – and tantalising highlights from the most popular music in the world, Le Quattro Stagioni.
Join the Bristol Ensemble, Fitzhardinge Consort and Miltos Yerolemou for an evening of Vivaldi’s spine-tingling music, combined with astounding revelations about his life on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the publication of The Four Seasons.

We are very grateful to Paragon Music Trust for the financial support that they have given us for this event. Do take a moment to visit their website (via the QR code) to read how you might help the Trust to support more music-making in the area.

Bristol Phoenix Choir: Bach's St John Passion
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:30 | St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
‘Bach is the supreme genius of all music’ (Pablo Casals). The St John Passion runs through the whole spectrum of human emotion as it not only captures all the drama and tragedy of the Passion story, but also offers reflection and contemplation as the story unfolds.
Join Bristol Phoenix Choir as they return to St George’s for a seasonally appropriate performance, partnered by a superb team of soloists, as well as the specialist Baroque arm of the Bristol Ensemble. A powerful and moving evening of wonderful music, filled with drama and meditation, in the special setting of St George’s Bristol.

Bristol Choral Society: Dixit Dominus
2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ, United Kingdom
Handel Dixit Dominus
Scarlatti Dixit Dominus
Monteverdi Beatus Vir
Bristol Choral Society
Bristol Ensemble
Liam Dunachie organ
Katie Trethewey soprano
Gwen Martin soprano
Nancy Cole alto
Thomas Lowen bass
Hilary Campbell conductor
Enjoy two settings of Psalm 110 Dixit Dominus, both from early 18th century Rome.The choir and soloists will also perform Beatus Vir by the great Italian Renaissance composer Claudio Monteverdi.

Music through the ages
2025-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 | St Martin’s Church, Church Road, Worle, BS22 9EL
Celebrating the 900th anniversary of St Martin’s Church in Worle, join the Bristol Ensemble for a musical tour through the ages, performing works by composers from across the centuries, beginning with Hildegard of Bingen. This fascinating development of music over 9 centuries will include music by Purcell, Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Holst, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Max Richter.
Tickets £15 plus booking fees, available online from Eventbrite.

Bridgerton In Concert
2025-03-28 19:30 - 22:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Ditcheat, BA4 6QX, United Kingdom
The Bristol Ensemble presents a captivating concert of music featured in the Netflix hit series Bridgerton in the charming St Mary Magdalene’s Church, lit by 300 real candles to create the most immersive experience.
The Bristol Ensemble, Bristol’s own professional ensemble, will perform some of the most enduring music from the series, including:

Bridgerton Theme (Kris Bowers)

Marriage of Figaro Overture (Mozart)

ABCDEFU (Gayle)

Sign of the Times (Harry Styles)

Thank U, Next (Ariana Grande)

What About Us (Pink)

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel)

Wrecking Ball (Miley Cirus)

Dancing on my Own (Robyn)

Material Girl (Madonna)

Yellow (Coldplay)

Halo (Beyonce)

Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift)

BE Contemporary: Meredith & Messiaen
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:00 | 1904 Arts Club, The Red Lodge, Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5LJ, United Kingdom
Olivier Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time (1940)
Anna Meredith Hex (2001-3)
Bristol Ensemble performs an intriguing programme of contemporary works in the unique setting of Bristol 1904 Arts Club. Tickets £20, available online at Eventbrite.
60 minutes, no interval.
With the friendly support of

The Lark Ascending
2025-03-26 19:30 - 21:30 | St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hele Lane, South Petherton, TA13 5DQ
Anon The Lark in the Clear Air
Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending
Schubert arr Drakett Hark, Hark the Lark
Haydn First movement of String Quartet in D major ‘The Lark’, Op. 64 No. 5
Samuel Barber Adagio for Strings
Samuel Barber Dover Beach
Manson Greensleeves
Peter Warlock Capriol Suite
Bristol Ensemble
William Drakett baritone
Come and join us in the beautiful St Peter & St Paul’s church in South Petherton, to enjoy a wonderful candlelit evening of English pastoralism and American lyricism. Principals from Bristol Ensemble plus special guest William Drakett (member of the Vicar Choral in the choir of Wells Cathedral), will delight you with this glorious programme.
From the lyrical elegance of Lark in the Clear Air to the soaring melodies of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, this program promises to transport you to new heights. Experience Schubert’s delightful Hark, Hark the Lark and the lively first movement of Haydn’s Lark Quartet, all highlighting the charm and grace of the lark.
We’ll also delve into the profound depths of Barber’s Adagio for Strings and the evocative Dover Beach, which will leave you spellbound. Rounding out the evening is Warlock’s vibrant Capriol Suite, a joyful celebration of dance and melody. Don’t miss this chance to experience a rich tapestry of sound that will resonate in your heart long after the final note!
Tickets begin at £10 for students, £25 for a standard seat and £30 for an ‘up close’ experience of the musicians. Children under 12 can attend for free and are extremely welcome. Ticket includes a glass of wine in the interval. There will be a paid bar available before the concert. Doors open at 6.45 pm.
Proudly presented by the Benefice of South Petherton and Breathe Music.
With thanks to sponsors The Bloom Wine Company and A&J Winter Family Butchers.
Please let the organisers know if you have special access requirements, a guide dog or if you will be accompanied by a carer.
