The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra

The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra at Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich
Photo credit: Lance Corporal Adrian Calef

The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra (CWSO) was formed in 2014. Having doubled in numbers since its establishment, over the last eight years the orchestra continues to build an excellent reputation. CWSO has performed at a wide variety of events, including musical support for State Ceremonial occasions, Investitures, Guards’ Chapel services and National Acts of Commemoration

As members of The Orchestra of the Household Division, CWSO has performed in a number of BBC broadcasts: 

• May 2020 - 75th anniversary of VE Day, at Buckingham Palace, 
• August 2020 - 75th anniversary of VJ Day, on Horse Guards Parade, 
• December 2021 - Royal Carols-Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey,

And the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Also, as members of The Orchestra of the Household Division, CSWO has performed on two world-premieres recordings: “Songs of Peace” and “Green Canopy”, which were both composed by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Haw MBE.

In June 2020, CWSO performed at an event to mark the Official Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen at the British Embassy in Belgrade and performed alongside the Министарство одбране и Војска Србије Stanislav Binički Military Orchestra.

When the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) Band visited London to take part in a tour of Public Duties, CWSO collaborated with the  RCA to present a symphonic concert.

Click here to find out more about the orchestra