In 2008 Orlando Jopling started playing Bach's Suites for solo cello in parish churches to raise money for their restoration and upkeep. This is Orlando playing the Prelude to the first Suite in G major.

He has now given over 75 recitals in an amazing variety of churches, from huge light-filled Wren masterpieces in city centres to intimate and atmospheric medieval churches on remote moorland. The churches have been filled with people and have resounded to the rich tones of the cello. The enthusiasm and energy of the people putting on the concerts has meant that the concerts have collectively raised almost £47,000.

Thank you for such a beautiful recital. Everyone was just completely bowled over by your wonderful music. I have been stopped over and over in the last few days with people saying how brilliant the afternoon was.

Enid Tarbox, organisor of Orlando's recital in Peterchurch, Herefordshire, July 2010

On the afternoon of the concert, he has often given a fun and informal 20-minute introduction to the cello in the local primary school, and he has also given masterclasses and coaching to local young cellists. 

If after reading this website you would like to invite Orlando to play in your church, please send an email to info@cellopilgrimage.co.uk. To find out more about how a fundraising concert could work, please have a look at our information page.

Orlando is a cellist and conductor based in London. His biography can be read via the link on the right but briefly he combines solo and chamber music concerts with working as a guest with all the major international orchestras based in London. He has conducted several eminent groups including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra and London Mozart players. He is Principal Conductor of the 140-year-old Royal Orchestral Society and has conducted over twenty opera productions.