St Botolph’s Music Society

Making music in Colchester since 1966

St Botolph’s Music Society is a not-for-profit community orchestra in Colchester, presenting concerts that unite much-loved classics with new discoveries. We are proud to support emerging local young talent, offering them opportunities to perform alongside the orchestra in inspiring live performances. All set within the beautiful venue of St Botolph’s Church with its exceptional acoustics.

What’s On

Discover our concert line-up, learn more about the programmes, and secure your tickets today.

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About Us

Explore our story, get to know the people involved, and see how St Botolph’s Church became our home.

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Support Us

Become a Friend of SBMS — join our supporter scheme and unlock exclusive benefits.

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“Amazing!”

RAMA client

“It was fantastic! Thank you SBMS.”

Kemal

“Another superb performance, thank you, I really enjoyed it.”

Colin

“Fabulous evening! Well done SBMS! Thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Claire

“It was a great evening and a marvellous selection of music.”

Joanna

“I thought Nigel’s talk was an eye opener and a breath of fresh air and thoroughly enjoyed the concert.”

Andrew

“Superb evening, exciting, enthralling! I was transported. Thanks!”

Jenny

“Food for the soul.”

RAMA client

“Wonderful!”

RAMA client

Latest News

change of programme, showing Prokofiev superimposed in an X frame over Shostakovich in a circle frame.

Programme change for May

6 March 2026

We've made a change to the initially advertised programme for our next concert, 20th Century & Beyond. We'd originally planned…

Donate online

1 February 2026

We've introduced the facility to make a donation to St Botolph's Music Society online! Like other organisations, we have outgoings…

2025-26 tickets on sale!

1 September 2025

Tickets for our 2025-26 season are now on sale! To start the season, A Little English Concert will feature some…

Looking back on 2024-25

15 August 2025

While the musicians of SBMS are enjoying a well-earned rest for the summer, we take a look back at our…

Introducing Thérèse Miller

11 June 2025

Thérèse was born in Ipswich and grew up in Capel St Mary. She began learning the piano aged 10 with…