We are a group of enthusiastic and friendly musicians getting together once a week to rehearse for a series of concerts throughout the concert season. The orchestra plays a wide variety of music from the standard classical repertoire through to light classics. Our concerts provide an opportunity for everyone to experience live music played by a full orchestra in local venues. The orchestra is always keen to see new members so if you play an orchestral instrument then please come along and join us.

Conductor – Jeff Rimmer
Encouraged by his father, Fred, a well known local church organist and pianist, Jeff studied piano, violin and at the age of 14 took up the flute which became his main instrument. Jeff won a scholarship for lessons with Colin Chambers (Principal flute RLPO) and passed his grade 8 in two years. He joined the Merseyside Youth Orchestra where he played for 5 years and this helped to nurture his love for orchestral music. Jeff has worked in the finance industry for 26 years but has used his love of music to relax and unwind outside work. He has played in many local orchestras and has developed a love for musical theatre playing in many pit orchestras. In 2002 he took up the baton as Musical Director for Oliver and has been hooked ever since.  Jeff has Directed 21 musicals since then.

Leader – Lesley Mycock
Lesley wanted to start playing the violin at the not quite tender age of about 14.  Her school music teacher would not accept her as a beginner because she was too old. Like any determined youngster, she bit the bullet and started teaching herself. Having seen that she had learned to play (and wrongly to an extent too) she was then accepted for lessons on the violin.
She progressed to leader of the Lancashire Schools Orchestra before going on to study violin, piano and flute at the Royal Manchester College of Music. She gained her ARMCM performer’s diploma on the violin and ARMCM teacher’s diploma with distinction.   She has been leader of Southport Orchestra for a number of years.