When the new city of Milton Keynes was in its infancy, an amateur symphony orchestra was formed in 1971 with the aim of performing works from the full range of the orchestral repertoire to a high standard. Now, years later, that same orchestra has become an important part of the cultural and musical life of the city and the surrounding area.

Guest Conductor

For its 29th November 2025 concert, the Milton Keynes Sinfonia is pleased to welcome Paul Hilliam to rehearse and conduct the orchestra.

Paul is originally from Canterbury. Following studies in London he worked as an oboist, but was also drawn to conducting having received tuition from George Hurst. He gained initial conducting experience in London and subsequently throughout the south east of England.
A move to the midlands led to the formation of the Heart of England Orchestra and other engagements in the region as well as concerts in Europe and the USA.
Paul has also enjoyed an on-going association with a number of excellent amateur orchestras and has been the Music Director of the Rutland Sinfonia since 2007.
As a regular conductor for the Bardi Symphony Orchestra in Leicester he has conducted their annual Young Soloists Concerts.

Musical Director

David Knight is the principal conductor and has been with the orchestra since 1992.
The Orchestra at that time was few in number and he has been largely responsible for helping to build the orchestra to its current size and consistently challenges members with a bold choice of programme.
He is also Principal 'Cellist with the Bedford Sinfonia with whom he has also appeared as a soloist and conductor.
He is a member of other leading local orchestras, including the Orchestra of Stowe Opera and the Cornerstone Chamber Orchestra.
David is well known in Beds and Bucks as an educator, teacher of lower strings, youth music tutor and conductor of the Bedfordshire County Youth Orchestra

The Players

The orchestra is very much a community orchestra, run primarily for its members and those interested to support them in the performance of major orchestral works.