Chris’ Story

“Cultural references can be modern and that will become heritage in the future. Heritage Orchestra makes people think about what their cultural inheritance is, because often it isn’t Brahms and Beethoven; it’s something more recent.”

Formed in 2004 as part of a burgeoning alternative club scene, The Heritage Orchestra quickly developed into an in-demand ensemble that were quick to prove it had something different to offer. “It happened…” artistic director and producer Chris Wheeler reveals, “very organically and naturally.” He explains: “It wasn’t a planned development; initially it was a one-off event that sparked something in our minds. We were all filled with post-college idealism; we thought we could do anything. We were very reactive to everything – I’m not saying that still isn’t there, but it was the underlying [impetus] to what we were doing back then.” The ‘we’ Wheeler refers to describes himself and Jules Buckley, chief conductor and orchestrator. Disillusioned with the current state of affairs in the classical world, Buckley and Wheeler sought to establish a group that would transcend styles, break boundaries and shatter stereotypes about modern instrumental music.

For more information on the Heritage Orchestra, please visit http://www.theheritageorchestra.com/