About Us
WHO ARE WE?
A thriving amateur orchestra formed in September 2017, we are constantly expanding to welcome a wider range of adult players of all ages. The Brooklands Sinfonia is very much a 'players orchestra' - cooperative and friendly.
IT'S A GREAT WAY TO START THE WEEK!
LOTS OF GREAT MUSIC TO PLAY AND PERFORM
We have an extensive library of orchestral music (symphonies, concertos, overtures etc from Baroque to Modern) and members of the orchestra are encouraged to suggest works they would like to play.
JOIN US
Currently we are in need of more string and brass players, players of these instruments are welcome to come along to any rehearsal session. Woodwind sections are fully subscribed, but we are happy for anyone to sign up to dep if needed.
There are no auditions but to be able to get the most from the pieces we play, you will need to be at least Grade 5 standard for strings and Grade 6 for woodwind and brass.
Orchestra members include parents, flexible, temp and part-time workers, but mostly retired people.
The conducting team
Our current conducting team includes Howard Thompson, Philip Danesfield and Sarah Lewis.
LEADER OF THE ORCHESTRA
Martin started playing the violin at primary school, aged 8. Although his lessons developed his playing to a reasonable standard, he never took any violin exams because his teacher wasn't in favour! He stopped playing for some years, but in his thirties took it up again and joined a small orchestra. This slowly led to more experience in other orchestras, playing chamber music and, most recently, in a Hootenanny (country music) band. Martin also plays viola.
He says he was delighted (and a little flattered) when the orchestra's founder, Greg Wheeler, asked if he would accept the role of Leader of the Orchestra, and is pleased with the way in which the orchestra has grown in number and quality over the last nine years.
The Brooklands Sinfonia: How it all STARTED
Greg Wheeler - Founder and Musical Director Emeritus
Greg has been involved in music education and amateur music making most of his life, as a music teacher, percussionist and conductor. In 2017, after he had retired, he founded the Brooklands Sinfonia for other amateur musicians who, like him, enjoy exploring the classical orchestral repertoire and want to improve their playing in a relaxed setting.
During his career, Greg recorded 5 albums of original musicals with the composer/arranger Pete Back. He has performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the Southbank, the Fairfield Halls in Croydon and the Royal Albert Hall. He was the regular drummer and founder member of the jazz quartet Take 4.
He is married to Susan, a talented clarinettist and recorder player. His two grown up children are both professional musicians. Retirement allows him to spend time with his grandson, Arthur.
In early 2026, Greg decided to step down from the rigours of running the Brooklands Sinfonia, but remains as a visiting conductor.