Our Story

Established in 2013, The Outcry Ensemble is dedicated to fostering inspiring experiences for musicians, composers, and audiences alike.

Rooted in the belief that music transcends boundaries, the ensemble curates performances designed to be accessible, immersive, and inclusive. By cultivating intimate settings, fostering engaging interactions with audiences, and presenting music in unconventional venues, The Outcry Ensemble strives to unite music enthusiasts of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity.

The ensemble's vision took shape with a clear mission: to demonstrate that music—be it contemporary or traditional, showcased in grand concert halls or unconventional spaces—is a unifying force, embracing both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to the art form. Our goal is to make our voices heard so that everyone can experience the power of music.

Having held the prestigious titles of Orchestra in Residence at St John’s Notting Hill, Orchestra in Association with Temple Music Foundation, and collaborating with various esteemed organisations across London, The Outcry Ensemble has showcased its talents internationally and within diverse venues throughout London. From revered concert halls such as St John’s Smith Square to immersive stage productions at Middle Temple Hall, as well as performances in Lewisham's pubs and contributions to art installations at the Tate Modern, the ensemble consistently pushes boundaries and explores new artistic territories.

In recent years, the ensemble has presented two monumental symphonic cycles featuring the works of Beethoven in 2021 and Brahms in 2023. These festivals were not only artistic triumphs but also had a philanthropic focus, supporting young freelance musicians by raising substantial funds that directly benefited emerging talents.

Comprised of young, exceptionally skilled professionals poised to become the next generation of global orchestral leaders, The Outcry Ensemble brings together vibrant energy and captivating performances. Their repertoire programming strikes a balance between cherished classical works and new compositions commissioned from emerging composers. Collaborating with a diverse array of young talents such as Kate Whitley, Freya Waley-Cohen, Josephine Stephenson, Laurence Osborne, among others, each meticulously curated program harmoniously intertwines the old and the new. Often, new compositions are specifically commissioned to complement and enrich the experience of listening to beloved classical masterpieces, offering fresh perspectives and enhancing accessibility for audiences.

At The Outcry Ensemble, our commitment lies in crafting musical experiences that resonate deeply, bridging generations, genres, and expectations, ultimately nurturing a shared appreciation for the ever-evolving landscape of orchestral music.

“Wednesday’s programme of The Outcry Ensemble playing the Brahms Piano Concerto No 2 in BbMajor and Symphony No 3 in F 

was magnificent: I am sorry that I had not been aware of the Festival beforehand, but will certainly be awake to such productions in the future. The venue is, as ever, is lovely and the acoustics excellent.”

5/5 AUDIENCE MEMBER

5/5 AUDIENCE MEMBER

“Wednesday’s programme of The Outcry Ensemble playing the Brahms Piano Concerto No 2 in BbMajor and Symphony No 3 in F  was magnificent: I am sorry that I had not been aware of the Festival beforehand, but will certainly be awake to such productions in the future. The venue is, as ever, is lovely and the acoustics excellent.”

Established in 2013, The Outcry Ensemble is dedicated to fostering inspiring experiences for musicians, composers, and audiences alike.

Rooted in the belief that music transcends boundaries, the ensemble curates performances designed to be accessible, immersive, and inclusive. By cultivating intimate settings, fostering engaging interactions with audiences, and presenting music in unconventional venues, The Outcry Ensemble strives to unite music enthusiasts of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity.

The ensemble's vision took shape with a clear mission: to demonstrate that music—be it contemporary or traditional, showcased in grand concert halls or unconventional spaces—is a unifying force, embracing both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to the art form. Our goal is to make our voices heard so that everyone can experience the power of music.

Having held the prestigious titles of Orchestra in Residence at St John’s Notting Hill, Orchestra in Association with Temple Music Foundation, and collaborating with various esteemed organisations across London, The Outcry Ensemble has showcased its talents internationally and within diverse venues throughout London. From revered concert halls such as St John’s Smith Square to immersive stage productions at Middle Temple Hall, as well as performances in Lewisham's pubs and contributions to art installations at the Tate Modern, the ensemble consistently pushes boundaries and explores new artistic territories.

In recent years, the ensemble has presented two monumental symphonic cycles featuring the works of Beethoven in 2021 and Brahms in 2023. These festivals were not only artistic triumphs but also had a philanthropic focus, supporting young freelance musicians by raising substantial funds that directly benefited emerging talents.

Comprised of young, exceptionally skilled professionals poised to become the next generation of global orchestral leaders, The Outcry Ensemble brings together vibrant energy and captivating performances. Their repertoire programming strikes a balance between cherished classical works and new compositions commissioned from emerging composers. Collaborating with a diverse array of young talents such as Kate Whitley, Freya Waley-Cohen, Josephine Stephenson, Laurence Osborne, among others, each meticulously curated program harmoniously intertwines the old and the new. Often, new compositions are specifically commissioned to complement and enrich the experience of listening to beloved classical masterpieces, offering fresh perspectives and enhancing accessibility for audiences.

At The Outcry Ensemble, our commitment lies in crafting musical experiences that resonate deeply, bridging generations, genres, and expectations, ultimately nurturing a shared appreciation for the ever-evolving landscape of orchestral music.

‘The Outcry Ensemble – an orchestra for budding young professional players – under the exacting direction of their founder and artistic director James Henshaw, performed magnificently, and produced a highly polished, professional sound that would not only grace the platform of any more high-profile concert venue, but left us in no doubt that orchestras with more glitzy reputations will not go short of excellent musicians in future.’ MusicOMH