The Third Orchestra

This is a new, very different kind of orchestra. With a 360° approach, The Third Orchestra, based in London and Berlin, draws on exceptional musicians from across the globe working in every genre of music—folk, jazz, spoken word, contemporary, popular, and more. We are intentionally inclusive, gender-balanced, and intergenerational, welcoming music readers and non-readers.

The vision is of an orchestra originating in multi-cultural London and Berlin, reaching out to the world—an orchestra without boundaries. We welcome each artist’s story, lineage, and experiences within and beyond their cultural traditions. We make music that allows our players to retain and celebrate whatever identities they choose to bring.

A distinguished ensemble of creators/performers all working on the co-creation of the music comprise the orchestra. Core members come from very different backgrounds: Emilia Martensson (voice, Slovenia/Sweden), Rouhangeze (voice/Mauritius), Hyelim Kim (taegŭm flute/Korea), Shri Sriram (bass/India), Wang Xiao (erhu/China), Jano Kružliak (violin/Slovakia), Kirpal Panesar (dilruba/UK), Colin Alexander (cello/UK), Cheng Yu (pi’pa/China), Lucy Zhao (pi’pa/China), Rihab Azar (oud/Syria), Alina Bzhezhinska (harp/Ukraine), Rouhangeze (voice/Mauritius), Matthew Bourne (piano/UK), Byron Wallen (trumpet/UK), Ian Ballamy (sax/UK), Dennis Rollins (trombone/UK), Sören Birke (duduk, harmonica/Germany).

The ensemble is curious, open, and adventurous. We learn from one another, the constantly expanding communities we visit, and the artists we meet along our musical journey.

The offer

We travel with an ensemble of core musicians but we love to partner with our hosts to create new third orchestras! We are thrilled to collaborate with regional ensembles, international artists, and local communities to celebrate their richness and diversity.

Peter Wiegold – Artistic Director

Peter Wiegold has been a transformative figure in the world of music through his innovative work at Club Inégales in London, where he led 120 events featuring diverse artists. He has been commissioned by the BBC, London Symphony, and Royal Philharmonic orchestras, among others. As a conductor, he has premiered over 100 new works. Peter is also a respected educator, having trained many orchestras and organizations worldwide in creative workshops and leadership techniques. His extensive research into global musical practices has informed his work as a composer and professor.