The MCO has performed regularly and with critical acclaim to audiences in Edinburgh and many parts of Scotland for almost 30 years. A tradition of imaginative programming and exciting performances has given the Orchestra a unique place in Scottish musical life. In recognition of its promotion of contemporary music, the Orchestra has received several Awards for Initiative from the Performing Right Society and was selected in 1999 as an initial participant of the 'Adopt-a-Composer' scheme launched by the PRS in conjunction with the Society for the Promotion of New Music. This season's programme follows the Orchestra's successful tradition of blending classical masterpieces with exciting new music. As usual, the concerts feature a succession of notable soloists.

Peter Evans has been the Orchestra's Principal Conductor and Music Adviser since its foundation in 1972.

The Orchestra normally performs three or four concerts a year in Edinburgh - typically in late October, early December, March and May. Most performances are in the Queen's Hall. The Orchestra also gives frequent concerts outside Edinburgh, usually at the invitation of a local music society.

Although the orchestra's main activity centres around concerts which it promotes as part of its own series, it occasionally makes itself available to play for concerts promoted by other organisations, typically music clubs/societies based within a reasonable travelling distance from Edinburgh. Press the contact us button to see whom to ask about this.

Peter Evans, the Orchestra's Musical Advisor conducts the majority of concerts in the season. In at least one other concert in the season the Orchestra is able to widen its musical and technical experience by working with guest conductors such as William Conway, Nigel Murray and Cecilia Weston, Ben Parry, amongst several others.

Most soloists are either established local musicians or gifted young players from Scotland and further afield who are in the early stages of establishing a national or international reputation. The Orchestra has also had the opportunity to work with soloists of the calibre of Steven Isserlis, Stephen Kovacevic, Anthony Marwood, Moray Welsh and Duncan McTier.

All players perform on an amateur basis although some have extensive professional performing experience.

Programmes offer classical favourites and less familiar music, frequently including contemporary works by composers resident in Scotland - Craig Armstrong, Sally Beamish, Lyell Creswell, Dick Lee, Edward McGuire and James MacMillan among others - several written specifically for the Meadows. The symphonic repertoire has embraced Brahms, Dvorak, Schumann, Sibelius and even Tchaikovsky, as well as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Mendelssohn.

The Orchestra is formally constituted as a Scottish Charity. It is managed by a committee, elected at the Annual General Meeting and with powers to co-opt. An equal opportunities policy has been adopted.

Registered Charity No SC023005