The Helios Chamber Orchestra was founded by oboist Barry Solomon and composer/conductor Owen Leech in the early months of 2007.  Based in London, the orchestra has long-term commitments to imaginative and adventurous programming, the provision of orchestral and concerto experience for emerging young talents and the development of educational and outreach projects. Our new orchestra - in which some eighteen nations are represented - aims to make a distinctive contribution to the musical life of London (and indeed further afield), bringing the joy of live music-making to new audiences - and fresh, compelling and unfamiliar repertoire to more seasoned concert-goers.

• “Hail Helios! The orchestral sound is magnificent! And what an interesting programme! Congratulations all round.” (P.W.)
• “Thank you for a terrific evening on Saturday. [We] really enjoyed the quality of the performance -  and that of your guest violinist, Alicja was extraordinary. Great conductor and fabulous performances from all.” (R.A.)
• “Your concert was really excellent and the music was all very much to my taste" ... "the violinist was splendid!” (C.L.)
• “Many congratulations on [the American Originals] concert. We enjoyed it very much. Alicja is a very good soloist.” (A.W.)
• "I thought [Laura Isaacson,] the soloist [in the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto,] was quite wonderful. She played it with great lyricism and passion." (A.L.)
• Outstanding performance [at Mendelssohn/Mozart/Mahler concert] last night - you've put together a first-class team ... and I've rarely - if ever - heard a singer combine such exquisite technique and musicality with such powerful communication of the texts. Quite superb! (J.W.)