University of Staffordshire to host relaxed performances by city orchestra

A series of relaxed performances by a professional symphony orchestra will be held to mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary celebrations.

The first concert by The City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra will take place in the Catalyst building on the University’s Leek Road site on Friday 14 March, 2025 at 1.30pm. Completely free to attend, relaxed performances are particularly suited to people living with additional learning needs, their families and carers; but anyone is welcome.

The City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra is the City’s first and only professional Orchestra which has been active in the City as The Symphonia Verbum Orchestra since 2019. The orchestra will officially launch as the CSSO on 13 June 2025 at the King’s Hall as part of the Stoke 100 celebrations.

The orchestra’s founder and artistic director is conductor and composer Joe Hearson, 28, who was born in Kidsgrove and trained at The University of Manchester. As well as freelance work further afield, such as with the Hallé in Manchester, Joe has been active on the local musical scene for over 20 years, from conducting musical theatre to working with North Staffs Symphony Orchestra.

Joe said: “A huge part of what a modern symphony orchestra is about is taking inspiring music into the community to bring together people from all walks of life. In 2025, as we look forward to launching officially as The City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra, we are proud to be working alongside the University of Staffordshire, who will host our Relaxed Concerts.

“These joyous events are a great way for our audience and musicians to connect with each other, and they are always uplifting and inspiring for everybody present.”

The series of relaxed, one-hour classical music concerts with a reduced orchestra of 20 professional musicians are being sponsored by Lord Anthony Bamford of JCB.

University of Staffordshire Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones said: “We are delighted to be hosting these concerts on our main Stoke-on-Trent campus as part of the city’s centenary celebrations and thank Lord Bamford for his generosity in helping to make these wonderful cultural events open and accessible to all including our university community.”

For tickets, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/csso