The official page for The Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, British Army.
18/06/2026
One month until our FREE CONCERT at St. George’s Garrison Church! 🎻
Come along for some Elgar, Piazzolla and other fun Summer tunes!
📍St. George’s Garrison Church
⏰ 18th July, 7pm
🎟️ Free entry!
15/06/2026
Congratulations to the newest member of the Orchestra, Musn Annie Hodgson!
After graduating from Royal Academy of Music in July of last year, Musn Hodgson joined the DESO in April.
Last Tuesday, as part of one of our quartets, she performed for the first time for guests receiving honours at Windsor Castle!
If you, or someone you know is interested in these kinds of opportunities, as well as the many other fantastic performances we take part in, please message us for more information.
On behalf of everyone across the Bands of the Household Division, we offer our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Halliday as he concludes an exceptional career spanning more than 40 years in British Army Music.
From his beginnings at the Army Junior School of Music to serving as Commanding Officer of the Bands of the Household Division, his dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on generations of military musicians.
Throughout his career, he has inspired countless musicians through his professionalism, musicianship and unwavering support for those under his command. His influence will continue to be felt across the Household Division and the wider British Army Music family for many years to come.
As he takes his final salute at Trooping the Colour as Commanding Officer, we thank him for his outstanding service and wish him every success, happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of his life.
Thank you, Sir, for your leadership, friendship and steadfast support of military music.
🎶🇬🇧🎺
04/06/2026
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra had a busy day at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, with lots of celebrities attending the investiture ceremony in the morning!
A big thank you to Adam Dennis for providing us with some great arrangements for the occasion - you can hear us playing by following the link below ⬇️ 🎻
https://www.itv.com/news/london/2026-06-02/luther-star-sir-idris-elba-knighted-by-the-king
02/06/2026
Another great day in the office for DESO!🎻
It was a pleasure to provide music during the Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today.🎵
Congratulations to all of the recipients!🎖️
The Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra is actively recruiting string players. If you would like to find out more, click the link below, leave a comment, or message us direct to see what The Royal Corps of Army Music has to offer you !
✅ linktr.ee/britisharmymusic
25/05/2026
Only a few days to go!
Tomorrow, we begin working together Trinity Laban to bring you some fabulous music from some of the greatest British composers, all within the beautiful setting of St Alfege Church.
We hope you join us for what is sure to be a fantastic performance!
Throughout next week, the orchestra will be rehearsing side by side with Trinity Laban's Sinfonia Strings for a lunchtime concert at St Alfege's Church in Greenwich.
Please join us in supporting these fantastic musicians - We'd love to see you there!
19/05/2026
1 week to go! 🎻✨
The Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra presents a special lunchtime performance featuring the Cello Quartet & Ensembles.
Join us in the beautiful setting of The Royal Military Chapel - The Guards' Chapel for an afternoon of outstanding live music performed by Army musicians.
📍 The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel)
📅 Tuesday 26th May 2026
⏰ 1:10pm
📌 Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ
We look forward to welcoming you to this special recital.
🎶
18/05/2026
Throughout next week, the orchestra will be rehearsing side by side with Trinity Laban's Sinfonia Strings for a lunchtime concert at St Alfege's Church in Greenwich.
Please join us in supporting these fantastic musicians - We'd love to see you there!
08/05/2026
Check mate! ♟️
Recently, Musn Edwin Podolski took part in the Armed Forces Chess Championship 2026.
He placed 8th overall out of over 90 participants and 1st in the Army, securing him a place, for the third year in a row, in the 36th NATO Chess Championship. This will take place in Jurmala, Latvia this October.
Congratulations Edwin! ♟️