The main aim of the orchestra is to promote the musical development of young local musicians in full time education.
The orchestra has gained a reputation for its high standards of performance and has received praise and acclaim both in the UK and on tours abroad.
The members are given the opportunity to play a wide range of orchestral and chamber music, as well as film scores and traditional folk songs.
Following Derek Williams' retirement the senior orchestra now has the benefit of experienced visiting conductors, including the organisation's Artistic Advisor, James Lowe.
The orchestra has commissioned work by various composers and performed the world premieres of 'Mosaic' by Nick Sackman at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2002 and 'The Death of Stalin' by Robert Steadman in March 2003 at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall.