About

We play Salon arrangements.

3 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 double bass, trumpet, flute, clarinet/sax, baritone/tuba, accordion/piano, percussion

Salonorchester is a mixed ensemble format that was popular on the continent from the 19^th century until the advent of gramophone and radio. It offered a more intimate and flexible way to experience the hits of the day in a drawing room or ballroom, the Salon. In its heyday, there was an industry of arrangers, producing score after score as soon as they could get their hands on new music, even operas.

The standard orchestration included strings, a few wind and brass instruments, percussion and a piano (often supported by a harmonium, a portable organ). With versatile players, a full orchestral sound could be evoked in surprising colours.

Salonorchester Glasgow performs in this tradition, extending the concept to the big band era and sometimes to contemporary classical music. Nothing you hear is what it seems. All should be entertaining, conversational. It may make you smile and dance.

We both told a lie (Art Noel & Jimmy Mesene, arr. Eddie Dee) [performed by Vera Lynn in 1939]

Recording session by Salonorchester (28 November 2023). Further sound samples can be found on our blog.