The Glasgow Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1975 by Tom Kent and Dorothy Gunnee (who still plays timpani in the orchestra). The first rehearsal took place on the March 4th 1975, and the orchestra's first concert was held on June 3rd 1975 in the High School of Glasgow.  

During the lifetime of the orchestra  we have given 132 concerts and over 1,100 players have participated in the orchestra. We have given performances of 118 symphonies and 53 concertos have been performed by 58 soloists.

Andrew Morris has conducted GSO since September 2017.  

Andy studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with Louis Carus and Leonard Friedman. After graduating he joined the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra and played extensively with the Ulster Orchestra during his time in Ireland. 

On his return to Scotland, he joined the Scottish National Orchestra, with which he played for eighteen years, becoming sub-principal second violin. With the SNO he toured extensively in Europe, North America and Japan working with some of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists.   

During his time with the SNO he was a founder member and featured soloist with the Chamber Group Cantilena, which consisted of 16 members drawn from the SNO. Cantilena had its own television series with STV performing a wide range of Renaissance and Baroque music and recorded Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the grounds of Brodick Castle for Channel 4. The group also featured in two series for the BBC with the great Recorder player Michala Petri and the legendary violinist Henryk Szerying. They also had a successful tour of South America, including playing to over 5,000 people in two concerts in the fantastic Teatro Colon in Buenes Aries. 

Andy left the SNO to take up the position of Events Manager at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.  With the SNO he toured extensively in Europe, North America and Japan working with some of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists. 

During his time at the Royal Concert Hall Andy worked closely with some of the great soloists attending rehearsals and advising on the acoustics and balance for the performances. In the world of jazz and popular music he has toured with Carol Kidd and features with a string quartet on her albums. He led the orchestra for Dionne Warwick in the Royal Concert Hall and has worked with Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme and George Shearing. 

For the last few years Andy has been teaching violin in Glasgow Schools and conducting the Glasgow Schools Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra and String/Chamber Ensemble.

In February 2017 members agreed at an AGM to adopt a constitution and to elect a committee comprising office bearers and ordinary members.  Office bearers have a responsibility for specific tasks and are in place for up to three years. Ordinary members are in place for up to one year and will  elected at the annual general meeting of the orchestra. The minutes of committee meetings are circulated to the orchestra and at least one  committee meeting will be held  in each of the three playing sessions. The selection of music played by the orchestra is done through consultation with the orchestra the conductor and the deputy conductor.

Chair - Neil Dely (Horn)

Orchestra Leader - Javier Francos Marrero (1st Violin)

Music Librarian - Morven Mackinnon (Bassoon) 

Treasurer - Alison Downie (Cello)

Administrator - Diana Knudsen (2nd Violin)

Administrator - Deborah Rutherford (2nd Violin)

Ordinary Member - Frances Barnett (Flute/Piccolo)

1st Violin Rep - John Dunn (1st Violin)

2nd Violin Rep - Jim Spy (2nd Violin)

Viola Rep - Janice Mackinnon (Viola)

Cello/Double Bass Rep - Alison Downie

Woodwind Rep - vacant

Brass Rep - Neil Dely

All members of the committee may be contacted via gso@glasgowsymphonyorchestra.co.uk.