To celebrate a decade of musical excellence, Magna Sinfonia announces a landmark performance of Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 8 at the Lighthouse, Poole.
In one of the most ambitious regional productions in recent years, the orchestra will join forces with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Bournemouth Symphony Youth Chorus, along with students from Longfleet Primary and Bournemouth School for Girls. The stage will play host to a staggering 120 instrumentalists, 225 singers, and eight world-class soloists, creating the legendary “wall of sound” that has made this masterpiece a rare and transformative live experience.
A Decade of Excellence
Founded in 2016 by two local musicians, Magna Sinfonia was established to bridge the gap between the many amateur ensembles and the fully professional orchestras. Over the last ten years, the orchestra has:
- Gained Recognition: Featured on BBC Radio Solent for its contribution to the arts.
- Attracted Elite Talent: Drawing top-tier players from across the BCP conurbation and beyond.
- Tackled Giant Repertoire: Building a reputation for mastering the most demanding works in the classical canon.
“Our goal from day one was to perform at a standard that rivals professional orchestras,” says Chris Block. “Bringing Mahler’s Eighth to the Lighthouse for our tenth anniversary is the ultimate realisation of that vision. It is more than a concert; it is a celebration of the community and the calibre of musicianship in our region.”
Event Details
- Performance: Mahler’s Symphony No. 8
- Date: Saturday 13 June, 2026
- Venue: Lighthouse, Poole
- Tickets: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/mahler-symphony-no-8
From humble beginnings in local schools and churches to the grand stage of the Lighthouse and Christchurch Priory, Magna Sinfonia’s journey reflects a decade of dedication to high-level music-making.

