Lockdown Online Performance 2020

The Midland Chamber Orchestra is a non-profit, amateur chamber orchestra, based in Birmingham. The orchestra's main focus is on quality of music, rehearsing weekly throughout the year to produce high-standard, enjoyable performances to be shared with the public throughout the year, inspiring and spreading a love for classical music. Their members include teachers, students, young professionals and recent conservatoire alumni.

Their story began with the Amadeus Ensemble, upon their music director's retirement. Reforming and rebranding in Autumn 2018 as the Midland Chamber Orchestra, William Cheung moved from the cello section to the conductor’s podium. They performed their inaugural concert in December that year, and have since grown from strength to strength.

The months of lockdown in 2020-2021 proved to be hugely challenging. However, William was able to put together enough string players for a special online concert, which is still available to view on YouTube. MCO is proud to have been one of the few amateur orchestras in the world who rehearsed and performed during the Covid-19 pandemic, following government guidelines.

MCO supports emerging young artists from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, providing a platform for solo performance with orchestra. They have also featured alongside other notable music groups in Birmingham, such as the Vivat Choir when they performed Vivaldi's Gloria in 2019.

Coinciding with their 5th anniversary concert, MCO saw their first collaboration with a school, Hallfield School. Following its success, MCO have become their orchestra in residence, and engage with yearly musical projects with the school.

In November 2024 MCO joined Notorious Choir in a  stunning performance of Durufle's Requiem, among other beautiful, classical, French compositions.