Guildford Philharmonic is at the heart of music-making in the south east, with a huge repertoire extending from the seventeenth century to the present day. The main concert season runs from October to July and takes place in a variety of venues including Guildford Cathedral, the Electric Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Abbot’s Hospital and Loseley House. In addition, the orchestra is invited to give concerts throughout London and the South of England in a number of venues which include Kenwood Park, Royal Festival Hall, King's College Cambridge, St George's Chapel Windsor, and the cathedrals of Winchester, Chichester, Canterbury and St. Albans.

Guildford Philharmonic's scope ranges from concerts for children and with children, via chamber concerts in more intimate venues, to large-scale choral and orchestral works. The repertoire covers everything from jazz and light music to new music, and the emphasis is to work with young soloists at the outset of their careers. Past Principal Conductors include Crossley Clitheroe, Vernon Handley, Sir Charles Groves, Sir Alexander Gibson and En Shao. The orchestra now works with a variety of conductors and directors including Barry Wordsworth, Edward Gardner, Stephen Bell and Paul Barritt, covering all musical styles. Guildford Philharmonic continues its work of attracting new audiences for all types of classical music and of making concert-going an exciting experience.

Guildford Philharmonic has recorded two CDs recently, Stainer's Crucifixion and the music of Patrick Gowers. 

Guildford Borough Council has funded and managed the Philharmonic as part of its arts provision for the borough since the orchestra's inception in 1945, when it was the Guildford Municipal Orchestra. The council is grateful to South East Music Trust, and to its sponsors Stevens & Bolton for financial assistance towards the costs of running the orchestra during the 2007 - 2008 season.

Guildford Philharmonic
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Box Office: 01483 444777
General enquiries: 01483 444666
Email: guildfordphil@guildford.gov.uk