[2] In July 2010, Docklands Sinfonia was rated as one of the top five non professional orchestras in London by Classical Music magazine.
Currently working at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he is brass co-ordinator, professor of euphonium and conductor.
Down is also the musical director of Pioneer Brass - a professional ensemble featuring some of Britain's leading orchestral and West End players.
The conductor, who was brought up in Grays Essex, says his aim is to make the orchestra a 'major cultural force' in the Canary Wharf area.
[5] On 5 November 2010, the orchestra performed the world premiere of singer songwriter Imogen Heap's orchestral composition 'Love The Earth' at the Royal Albert Hall.
In the run-up to its formation in September 2008, The East London Advertiser remarked that the area would soon have its "own posh symphony orchestra to rival anything in the West End.
The magazine wrote: "It may not be the most propitious time to be launching a new orchestra, but conductor Spencer Down is tackling it with infectious bravado."
[11] Classical Music magazine critic Hannah Nepil commented "This ensemble has something that even some professional orchestras struggle to maintain, real joy in the music-making.