About
Founded in 1987 by Charles Sampson, the then Cambridge Orchestra was born out of a shared desire to bring together the region’s finest musicians and music educators to perform the great symphonic masterpieces with passion and precision. Renamed after our founder in 2010, that same spirit lives on in the Sampson Orchestra of Cambridge.
Over the years, the orchestra has shared the stage with many internationally acclaimed artists, including Tasmin Little, Piers Lane, Timothy Hugh, and David Campbell. Its collaborations have extended beyond the concert hall, from sparkling Gala Ballet performances with Wayne Sleep and members of the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain, to regular appearances at the Cambridge Music Festival.
The orchestra is made up of around fifty dedicated musicians who perform purely for the joy of music-making. There are no subscriptions; membership is by invitation, ensuring every performance radiates commitment and artistry. With around five concerts each year, rehearsed right here in Cambridge, every programme offers audiences something truly special.
To see the orchestra in action, browse our picture gallery.
For more information or to get in touch, email us.
The Conductor
From the moment Darrell Davison steps onto the podium, there’s an unmistakable energy in the air — the excitement of a musician who lives and breathes orchestral music. A graduate of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, he began his career as principal cellist of the Ulster Orchestra, before returning to London’s vibrant musical scene as a freelance performer.
Darrell’s remarkable versatility quickly shone through. In 1979, he won the Sir John Barbirolli Conducting Competition, launching a conducting career that has taken him to the helm of the UK’s leading orchestras — including the LSO, BBC, and all four London orchestras — with recordings and broadcasts that have captivated audiences at home and abroad. His London debut came in 1984 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at a Royal Philharmonic Society Concert in the Festival Hall, followed by appearances in renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and international stages worldwide.
Beyond his guest appearances, Darrell has built deep and lasting musical partnerships. He serves as conductor and musical director of The Little Symphony of London, and he continues to inspire young listeners through the ever-popular Arthur Davison Family Concerts at the Fairfield, Croydon — a series that has delighted generations.
Appointed Musical Director of the Cambridge Orchestra in 1987, Darrell brings a rare blend of technical mastery, expressive insight, and infectious enthusiasm to every rehearsal and concert. His leadership has shaped the orchestra’s sound and spirit for over three decades.
A gifted composer as well as conductor, Darrell’s works have been performed by the Philharmonia, London Philharmonic, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and he has written and orchestrated film scores for the London Symphony Orchestra. His orchestral compositions include the ballet A Brave New World, the oratorio Symphony of Souls, and concertos for clarinet, violin, and cello — each reflecting the same vitality that defines his performances.
