The City Wind Orchestra (CWO) is a community wind ensemble who rehearse and perform in and around the City of London. Formed in 2009, CWO is a not-for-profit group and membership is open to all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments with no formal audition.

With at least three concerts per year, CWO is committed to performing original works for wind orchestra from a rich repertoire from across the world and covering themes reflecting particular places, people and musical periods.

Rehearsals and performances follow the academic year, with concerts happening at the end of each term. Together we have performed over two hundred original works, which have included music from the Americas, Europe and Asia. From performances of well-known pieces, such as Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks, Stravinsky's Firebird suite and Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition, to less well-known works, such as Hovhaness's Ani, and Gary Carpenter's Flying God Suite, CWO has strived to create programmes of engaging works that will challenge players and provide enjoyment. 

As well as regular performances for adult audiences, CWO has performed concerts aimed at families and children and played well-known pieces on the Victoria Park bandstand in Tower Hamlets. 

CWO is run by a committee of playing members alongside professional Musical Director, Jim Pywell. 

The City Wind Orchestra have performed all of Holst’s scores for wind orchestra both published and unpublished.

The City Wind Orchestra meets on Monday evenings during term time at St Giles Cripplegate, Fore Street, EC2Y 8DA. Attendance at a trial rehearsal is by invitation only (please do not just turn up). Membership is on a subscription basis.

There are currently vacancies for Flue, Percussion, Tuba, Horn and Trombone, Please contact us if you are interested in joining.                                                    

There is no formal audition for the orchestra but each new member is given one term to prove themselves worthy of the group and its repertoire. Emphasis will not necessarily be on technical facility but rather an overall picture of ability including commitment to weekly rehearsals. If you would like to join the ensemble, please visit the contact page for details.