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about the orchestra
FOUNDED IN 2026 BY LOCAL PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS TO PERFORM, TEACH, AND INSPIRE.
The Shrewsbury Baroque Orchestra explores ensemble repertoire spanning from the early 17th century to the late 18th century, presenting concerts across Shropshire. Directed by local violinist Conor Gricmanis, the orchestra is made up of professional musicians from Shropshire and neighbouring counties, all of whom have trained at the UK’s leading conservatoires and regularly perform with some of the world’s most highly regarded orchestras and ensembles.
The SBO’s sister chamber ensemble is the established Noxwode Baroque, with whom the orchestra frequently joins forces for concerts, projects, recordings, and masterclasses.
MEET OUR DIRECTOR
CONOR GRICMANIS - BAROQUE VIOLIN
Raised on a farm in rural Shropshire, Conor Gricmanis studied at the Royal Academy of Music under the world-famous baroque violinist Rachel Podger and then received his Master’s Degree at the Royal College of Music under the tutelage of Bojan Čičić. Conor is now seen on stages across the UK, Europe, and the USA and as a soloist, director/concertmaster, and chamber musician. A regular performer and sectional leader with notable ensembles such as the Academy of Ancient Music, Il Gardellino, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Oxford Bach Soloists, Conor has also formed two of his own ensembles; Noxwode (a baroque string band) and The Wig Society (a Rococo ensemble) which is part of the EEEMerging+ scheme in Europe. He has proudly released a debut solo album of Uccellini violin sonatas and early trio sonatas in collaboration with First Hand Records, and TWS proudly released their debut album of Mannheim chamber works with the record label Arcana. 2023 has seen Conor perform as a soloist in major festivals such as the MA Festival Brugge, Aix en Provence, Manchester International, and the Bregenzer Festpiele. Conor toured Europe, Asia, and New York City as a soloist and concertmaster throughout 2024 and 2025 saw him give lectures and masterclasses with Concerto performances in Ljubljana, and was a Baroque Violin teacher at ‘The Summer School’ in Gresham (previously Dartington).Conor’s Violin is made by Landolfi circa 1750
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