WHO ARE WE?

The Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1930 by local musicians for the enjoyment of making music through rehearsals and concerts. For over 60 years we were the only symphony orchestra to perform regularly in Basingstoke. The Anvil has transformed the musical scene in Basingstoke and we are now one of the many symphony orchestras who enjoy The Anvil’s wonderful acoustics – likened by one expert to ‘an Italian courtyard in summer’.

The high standard of presentation achieved by the BSO, coupled with the Anvil’s acoustics and facilities means that we have been able to attract many top name soloists to perform with the orchestra.

WHO ARE WE?

We are BAOS. Entertainment was very limited in Basingstoke in 1922 when BAOS was born as the Thornycroft Amateur Operatic Society, to become pioneers in the world of amateur show business. In those days, the former Corn Exchange, dubbed the Grand Cinema, had only seen modest concert parties in between the films but never a light opera, with colourful costumes, a full orchestra and cleverly painted scenery to carry people away to Venice, the Tower of London, or to Titipu in Japan.

It was all made possible as a result of a lighthearted conversation at May’s Bounty Cricket Ground following a hockey match. Someone mentioned Gilbert and Sullivan to fire the imagination; word was then conveyed to employees at Thornycrofts. With the management realising what potential they had in the firm, the operatic society started. Thornycrofts had a fine military band with R. M. Calloway as conductor, there was the work’s canteen with a splendid stage, and a goodly sized auditorium.

WHO ARE WE?

Dedicated to Quality Musical Theatre – Founded in 1958, BATS is a not-for-profit, amateur theatrical society that specialises in staging musical theatre productions in Basingstoke (United Kingdom). We are a self-funded, not-for-profit theatre group run by volunteers who share a passion for musicals – whether performing on-stage or working behind the scenes. We usually produce two shows a year, in May and November. Over the years, BATS has established a reputation for staging musical theatre productions that are of an exceptional standard, using talent from in and around Basingstoke. You must be at least 18 years old to join us.

WHO ARE WE?

We are the BCS. BCS is a long established choral society with a history stretching back as far as the 1890s.

Whilst based in Basingstoke, we draw members and audiences from all over the region.

We are a mixed choir singing major choral works from the classical repertoire by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Handel as well as contemporary pieces by composers such as Janet Wheeler, Karl Jenkins and Will Todd. We regulary perform in Basingstoke’s excellent concert hall, the Anvil.