The London International String Orchestra consists of musicians who originate from across Europe. It usually performs as an ensemble of 17 musicians (strings plus percussion), but can be enlarged for larger works or events. It plays for concerts, theatre shows, records with bands, and records soundtracks for television programmes/adverts. Its musicians have either collectively or individually performed with many international artists, including Peter Gabriel, Kula Shaker, Dr.Hook, The Heavy, Newton Faulkner, and The Divine Comedy. The orchestra has also worked extensively on television, including providing strings for the BBC/Netflix show A Good Girls Guide To Murder and for the Europe-Wide The North Face advert.
The orchestra is available to hire for concerts and events across the UK and Europe. We have a particular connection to Croatia, where we perform yearly, and where three of our founder members are based.
A little bit about the London International String Orchestra
Introducing some of our orchestra members...
Tim Harrison
Conductor
Tamsin Barrington
Violin (Leader)
Jelena Gracin
Viola
Kate Robey
Cello
James Packer
Percussion
Concerts
Recent concerts have included...
July 26th, 2026
Vrboska, Croatia
A concert of classical, film, popular and Croatian music in the beautiful fortress church of St. Mary of Mercy in Vrboska.
Despite a short-notice change of venue due to weather, this was a packed out concert with the audience extending to standing outside the venue to listen! Of particular note was the performance of the 2nd movement from Vivaldi's double cello concerto in G minor which elicited an audible sigh of satisfaction from the audience.
July 24th, 2026
Jelsa, Croatia
A lively concert in the historic Pjaca square in Jelsa. Battling a fairly strong breeze (which resulted in the loss of at least one score, leading to Tim conducting from memory!), this was nevertheless a very well-received concert with children dancing along and locals opening their windows and coming out on to their balconies to watch and listen. This concert resulted in over €1000 in donations being raised for local charities.
July 23rd, 2026
Hvar Town, Croatia
Performed in front of the stunning recently restored Loggia in the heart of Hvar Town, a large engaged audience filled the surrounding quayside, streets, and balconies to listen to a varied programme of classical, film, popular and local Dalmatian works.
We are very fortunate to have been sponsored in our endeavours by the following organisations.
Please see our Sponsors page for the full list of our generous sponsors.
Reviews!
The audience enjoyed the performance of the London International String Orchestra, which performed a diverse program consisting of classical works, film music, Dalmatian songs and world hits. The attractive repertoire and top-notch performance created a special atmosphere in the heart of Jelsa, and the concert once again showed how music can connect people and encourage them to do good together.
Tonight’s concert created a truly magical atmosphere, filling this unique setting with beautiful music. A heartfelt thank you to the outstanding musicians for their inspiring performances.
Thank you for an amazing concert. It was truly an unforgettable evening, filled with wonderful music, a great atmosphere, and a wonderful sense of community. Thank you to everyone who made it so special.
The repertoire was great, the performance was impeccable, and the audience was delighted. I think even Jesus would be pleased with the choice!
Excellent sound from them, nothing is lacking. 16 players, a very engaged conductor who manages to achieve wonderful dynamics, interesting arrangements, of the same high class, a percussionist who throughout the concert became an increasingly important part of a "well-tuned" orchestra - compliments to everyone!❤️
