About WYSO
The West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2003. From the beginning the purpose of the orchestra was to perform classical music to a high standard and bring this to a wider community who would not normally consider attending a classical concert. We have subsequently grown to a full sized symphony orchestra performing a range of classical works.
The orchestra is always keen to collaborate with other groups and participate in concerts which promote classical music outside its usual audience. We have worked with groups such as Help the Aged to allow their members to come to classical concert. We regularly perform concerts aimed at children. We have played outdoor concerts including one on the beach in Scarborough with the band Electric Eel Shock. We have played in Leeds Kirkgate Market as part of a week of events there, and played in Bramley Baths (yes – in) as part of I Love West Leeds Festival.
In addition to playing music by established composers we have premiered works by local composers such as Robert Wilsmore, Mark Marrington and Karen Gourlay as well as performing newly arranged works. We have a policy of giving solo performance opportunities to young, talented musicians.
Nick Meredith has been Musical Director of West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra since early 2009, and is currently Head of Music at Wakefield Girl’s High School, where he has taught music for the last 9 years.
Nick has conducted Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra, Leeds Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North, and directed various festivals, and youth and community groups. He has also played violin with the National Festival Orchestra, English National Ballet, and the Lydian Quartet.
