The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, formed in 1980, is an integral part of Scotland’s national opera company. The orchestra performs for all of Scottish Opera’s performances, and is in ever-increasing demand as a concert-giving ensemble. The Orchestra leaves the pit and takes centre-stage for its annual Sunday Series concerts at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, in the brand new custom-built Acoustic Shell. Here the musicians get the opportunity to flex their musical muscles on stage in operatic and non-operatic repertoire, ranging from Haydn and Beethoven symphonies to contemporary works and are regularly joined by world class singers. In addition to its work with Scottish Opera, the Orchestra is in increasing demand for concerts, working regularly with the City of Glasgow Chorus, Celtic Connections and Dundee Choral Society, as well as with choral unions and societies around the country. The Orchestra celebrated its 30th birthday in 2010, having been formed by Scottish Opera’s founder and first Music Director, Sir Alexander Gibson. The conductors John Mauceri, Sir Richard Armstrong, Francesco Corti and Stuart Stratford have followed in Sir Alex’s footsteps.