Our History

Trinity Orchestra was founded in 1980 by John Craven, then organist of Trinity Church. The orchestra rapidly established itself as the foremost in the area, and after John moved to France to work with Strasbourg Opera, he was succeeded as Music Director by Ronald Corp. Philip Lee took over from Ronald several years later and when he stood down, the orchestra had several seasons with guest conductors before appointing the distinguished cellist and conductor Paul Watkins as Music Director. Paul’s increasing international workload, especially after he won the 2002 Leeds Conductors Competition, meant that he reluctantly had to give up this position in 2005.

Paul was appointed Trinity Orchestra’s first President on his departure. The current Music Director, Michael Murray, a horn player with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, has led the orchestra in several initiatives, including our new collaboration with the Royal College of Music in providing a platform for the world’s finest young musical talent to perform with the orchestra every year. Michael has also established an ongoing sponsorship arrangement with Blüthner Pianos, providing world-class instruments to the soloists who perform with the orchestra.