About Us
The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) is one of the oldest orchestras in South Asia, performing four subscription concerts annually, along with additional performances on special occasions. Concerts are regularly performed at the Ladies’ College Hall, featuring Sri Lankan and foreign soloists, as well as foreign conductors on invitation. The SOSL is a non-profit organisation and therefore depends on the support of the public and corporate sectors, with occasional diplomatic sponsorship for its events.
Our History
- 1930
- Three Danish brothers named 'Wagn' started a small orchestra in Ceylon, consisting of players of various nationalities.
- 1958
- The Symphony Orchestra of Ceylon was formed with the support of the Arts Council. An elected Players' Committee managed the orchestra; concerts were held roughly three times a year.
- 1971
- The orchestra retained its SOC logo but changed its name to the Symphony Orchestra of Colombo.
- 1991
- A Board of Governors, elected by the players, introduced a management structure. The orchestra was renamed the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL).
- 2010
- The Junior Symphony Orchestra (JSO) was formed, consisting of stringed instruments only, to train young musicians for the SOSL.
- 2011
- Woodwind, brass and percussion were added to the JSO. With sponsorship from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the SOSL also launched its outreach programme taking classical music to the outskirts of Sri Lanka.
- 2017
- The SOSL celebrated its 60th anniversary.