Southbank Sinfonia is an orchestra of young professionals, recently described by the British media as ‘a dashing ensemble who play with exhilarating fizz, exactness and stamina’. Southbank Sinfonia is firmly established as Britain’s leading orchestral academy, providing the most talented musicians with a much-needed springboard into the profession.

     Every year 32 players, each supported by a bursary, undertake an intensive and wide-ranging programme of performance and professional development. This comprises orchestral and chamber concerts across the UK and Europe; workshops and performances; education and management training; and professional development covering subjects as diverse as improvisation and public speaking.
     A distinctive and integral part of the programme is the orchestra’s work alongside leading performing arts organizations. This includes the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, BBC Concert Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Southbank Sinfonia is also privileged to collaborate with acclaimed artists such as Patrons Vladimir Ashkenazy and Sir Thomas Allen.
     Southbank Sinfonia is based in the crypt of St. John’s Church Waterloo. Rehearsals are held in the church, where they perform regular Rush Hour Concerts on Thursdays, free of charge and open to the public. The name 'Southbank' refers to an area along the south side of the River Thames near Waterloo Bridge, which is the city's cultural hub and home to a number of the country’s leading arts organizations.
     About a third of the orchestra's members are from outside Britain. Past and present members have come from various European countries as well as Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan. Southbank Sinfonia is proud to have enabled the majority of its graduates to embark upon fruitful careers in the music profession.
     The orchestra started out in 2002 as a small exciting endeavor  and has grown year by year into a significant organization in the orchestral community. The Sinfonia’s educational programme has also expanded greatly over the past decade. Southbank Sinfonia is run by a staff of ten, and is funded entirely by private donations.  Of the annual budget of £750,000, around £300,000 comes from private trusts, foundations, and corporate supporters. £150,000 is earned from performances, and the remainder generously donated by individuals.