Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra concert season

For more than 60 years, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has been bringing the magic of live orchestral music to Exeter - creating unforgettable evenings filled with powerful performances, extraordinary musicians and some of the world’s greatest music.

Now, the 2026/27 concert season at the Great Hall invites audiences to experience nine spectacular evenings of world-class symphonic music, from much-loved masterpieces to inspiring new sounds.

Whether you’re a lifelong classical music fan or looking to experience a live orchestra for the first time, it’s time to discover what the Orchestra of the South West can bring to your life.

Symphonic Horizons

22nd September

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are kicking off their 2026/27 Season at Exeter University Great Hall with Symphonic Horizons. Join the orchestra alongside award-winning pianist Martin James Bartlett and conductor Jamie Phillips for an unforgettable evening.

Youthful Rachmaninov

8th October

The orchestra perform the works of Rimsky-Korsakov, Saint-Saëns and Rachmaninov under the baton of BSO Principal Guest Conductor Chloé Van Soeterstède, alongside soloist Javier Perianes.

Glorious Heights

22nd October

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are reaching Glorious Heights with BSO Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth at the helm, alongside soloist Anthony Marwood for this exciting programme, and featuring the works of Tippett, Vaughan Williams, Adès and Sibelius.

Eternal Heaven

3rd December

The Bournemouth Symphony are transporting you to an Eternal Heaven with some of the greatest works from Britten and Mahler. BSO Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and soloist Oliva Boen are taking to the stage for this ethereal concert.

Last Night of the Christmas Proms

18th December

What is Christmas if not a time to reconnect with old friends… so the BSO are thrilled to be joined once more by the wonderful pianist and singer extraordinaire Joe Stilgoe! Joe will be showcasing his musical talents with a hamper full of Christmas musical goodies alongside all your festive orchestral favourites, and a first half of classic jazzy treats.

Kissed By A Rose

21st January

Let the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra romance you with the works of Bizet,  Rachmaninov and R Strauss in Kissed By A Rose. Join them at Exeter University Great Hall alongside Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and Artist-in-Residence Boris Giltburg.

Let There Be Light

4th February

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are brightening up your day with Let There Be Light at the Exeter University Great Hall. Join Principal Guest Conductor Chloé Van Soeterstède as she leads the orchestra, and soloist Eva Gevorgyan, through a shining programme of Nielsen, Grieg, Adès, Rachmaninov.

From The Flames

18th February

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are heating things up at Exeter University Great Hall with a fiery programme of Berstein, Ravel and Stravinsky. Join Conductor Alexandre Bloch and soloist David Fray, for an unforgettable evening with From The Flames.

Star Wars 50th Anniversary

7th April

Can you believe it’s been 50 years since Princess Leia, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker first graced our screens in Star Wars? The Force will be with you all as the orchestra play the iconic tracks that accompanied George Lucas’ epic space opera. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra presents a magnificent celebration of John Williams’ timeless music from the entire film saga since the original Episode IV: A New Hope in 1977.