Bournemouth Sinfonietta

British Chamber Orchestra

The Bournemouth Sinfonietta was a chamber orchestra established in 1968 in Bournemouth, Dorset, England. It was formed as an offshoot of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with the intention of performing smaller scale works that were not suited to a full symphony orchestra. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its versatility and high standards of performance under the leadership of various distinguished conductors, including Richard Hickox and Norman Del Mar. Throughout its existence, the Sinfonietta commissioned new works and collaborated with contemporary composers, contributing to the enrichment of the chamber orchestra repertoire. They performed a wide range of music from Baroque to contemporary pieces and were known for their recordings which received critical acclaim. The Bournemouth Sinfonietta disbanded in 1999 due to financial difficulties, but it left behind a legacy of exceptional recordings and performances that continue to be appreciated by classical music enthusiasts.