Darwin Ensemble

The Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra (DECO) is a  professional orchestra that has its home in Lichfield Cathedral. Founded in 2008, it is an entirely local venture and is unique: there is at present no comparable orchestra with resident affiliation to a cathedral or church foundation in the region. The orchestra is formed from the highest calibre classical musicians in the West Midlands, with a strong emphasis on the employment of young, exciting players in the early stages of their professional careers.

DECO was founded by its Artistic Director and Leader, Alexander Laing, and its Principal Conductor, Philip Scriven (Cathedral Organist). It had its highly successful debut concert in the Cathedral on 31 January 2009. DECO stages three regular concerts a year - winter, summer and autumn - and during the year contributes to the music of three Cathedral services. The first season's concerts have been very well attended and enthusiastically received. Congregational feedback from DECO's participation in services has been highly appreciative. This template of regular appearances will continue to be adopted for future seasons alongside events and outreach beyond the Cathedral.

The orchestra has a fresh approach to concert-going, with a commitment to bringing to a wider audience the pleasure and excitement of hearing accessible classical music played to the highest standard. DECO's remit also includes sharing the experience of the live orchestral sound with young people, who will form both the audiences, and potentially the providers, of classical music into the future.