The Cardiff Video Game Orchestra was founded in 2024 by Alex Tompkins. We are an amateur community orchestra comprised of musicians from all across the skill spectrum, from those picking up their instrument after ten years away, all the way to full-time professionals. Members come in from the greater Cardiff area and beyond with a love for playing fun and interesting music from all sorts of genres. We love encouraging one another to learn and improve, and talking about video games as a bonus.

We rehearse every Monday in Cathays Community Centre - a fantastic facility that welcomes us warmly and held our first ever concert.

Our past musical endeavours have covered games like Xenoblade Chronicles, Octopath Traveller and Stardew Valley.

We're an inclusive group that welcomes all people from diverse musical backgrounds, experiences and grade levels to share in the joy of video game music. You do not have to be a student to join. While we don't ask for CVs, auditions or proof of music grade levels, we would like you to be aware that some of the music can be challenging, so a foundation of a least grade 3 is recommended.

Our year is divided into three ten-week terms: spring term (January - March, with a March concert), summer term (April - June, with a July concert) and autumn term (September - November, with a November concert). While members are not required to attend every rehearsal, we ask you attend as many as possible and practice at home when you can.

If you are interested in performing with us but cannot commit to regular rehearsals, still feel free to reach out! We also welcome deps (concert-only players) for all instruments.

Prospective members may join us for a couple of rehearsals before deciding to commit.

We rehearse from 7:15-9:15pm at Cathays Community Centre on Mondays.

Membership fees are £70 per term or £40 for a concession. Please contact the committee treasurer if you need financial assistance.

We are currently in particular need of: - Bassoons - Trumpets - French Horns - Tubas - Piano - Violins - Violas

We are currently not accepting: - None! Please join us!

Our rehearsal space and all concert venues are wheelchair-accessible.

Contact us using any of the buttons at the bottom of this page, or by emailing us at: cardiffvgo@gmail.com

We hope to meet you soon!