
A brief history of WSO
Although founded under its present name in 1973, the Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra can trace its history back to a group which met at the Putney Literary Institute in 1918.
In April 2014 the orchestra appointed a new Musical Director and Conductor, Leigh O'Hara – a distinguished pianist, percussionist, and teacher – following the retirement of Keith Stent. In spring 2014 a gala Farewell Concert took place, to mark Keith's retirement after directing the society since September 1973 (and its original evening institute class feeder group the Mayfield & Putney Symphony Orchestra for over 10 years before that). The concert included Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Mitra Alice Tham.

Keith Stent conducting at his Farewell Concert, Spring 2014
