Our Story
How it all began
The journey of how The People’s Orchestra came to be, stories and milestones achieved along the way that built a bright future of our charity and its ensembles.
The People’s Orchestra Timeline
From humble beginnings with a five piece brass quintet busking on New Street, to a vast variety of ensembles performing across the UK; The People’s Orchestra has never been one to shy away from the challenge. Read on to discover more about our journey.
March 2012
Early 2012 – Humble Beginnings
After teaching her daughter the French Horn, Andy Sandham approached Sarah Marshall with a brand-new initiative. He had deep concerns about a rise in talented musicians having to give [READ MORE]
July 2014
TPO Flash Mob on Virgin Train
In July 2014, a plucky and young TPO climbed aboard an iconic Virgin Pendalino train at London Euston, for their first-ever 'flashmob' public performance. Swapping their brightly coloured t-shirts for [READ MORE]
April 2018
2018 Commonwealth Games Handover
The Work: One take, two continents — how The People’s Orchestra helped Birmingham steal the 2018 Commonwealth Games handover There are big televised moments that look effortless — and then [READ MORE]
July 2018
2018 – Inside Out Concert
Inside Out Concert was held in the foyer of Symphony Hall in Birmingham where our conductor went missing! Or rather, they handed over the reins... to the audience! This [READ MORE]
March 2019
2019 – The People’s Show Choir launches!
Following the spirit of our orchestra name and providing access to the arts for all, The People's Orchestra Charity launched 'The People's Show Choir' - a community network of [READ MORE]
April 2021
fs-kickstart-to-career
FS’s story: how a Kickstart placement became a new beginning At The People’s Orchestra, our Positive Futures and Back to Work programmes exist to do more than fill placements — [READ MORE]
October 2021
2021 – Winning The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service!
In recognition of our community engagement and support efforts during the national lockdowns as well as hosting socially-distanced performances throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we were notified that we were [READ MORE]
July 2022
2022 – We Are One! Birmingham Commonwealth Festival Celebrations
Following on from our Queen's Award win, The People's Orchestra and The People's Show Choir came together to celebrate the record a special piece commissioned by award-winning film composer, [READ MORE]
July 2024
The People’s Show Choir’s 1st International Tour in Krakow, Poland!
Amidst the beauty of Krakow’s Old Town, around 100 People’s Show Choir voices rang out and the smiles were unmissable. Singers from various Show Choirs came together for their [READ MORE]
May 2025
From Inverness to Ullapool: People’s Show Choir tour brings joy to the Scottish Highlands
May Bank Holidays are usually when people take the time off work to recharge and relax – not The People’s Show Choir, who, along with friends from The People’s Orchestra [READ MORE]
