Founded in 1986, the OAE is a player-led orchestra known for its pioneering approach to making music. Using instruments or faithful replicas from the time the music was written, the orchestra performs repertoire ranging from Bach to Brahms, Berlioz to Mahler. The OAE is a resident at the Southbank Centre, Kings Place and Glyndebourne, and frequently tours nationally and internationally. Its scholarly approach to rediscovering historic pieces enables the orchestra to produce concerts and recordings of outstanding artistic quality, making old music new again and inspiring audiences across the UK.

Guided by the values of the Enlightenment - equality and inclusivity, exploration and enquiry - the OAE engages audiences through cultural experiences that are appealing and accessible. Audiences can hear the OAE perform at the pub in its Night Shift series, discover why the most recognisable pieces of classical music remain so popular today in 'Baroquebusters' concerts and learn more about period instruments and repertoire through the OAE's award-winning digital content.

The OAE endeavours to make orchestral music meaningful to audiences, particularly those who lack access to high calibre art and culture. To that end, the orchestra became the first in the UK to move into a school. In 2020, the OAE became resident orchestra at Acland Burghley School, a 1,200-pupil comprehensive non-selective state secondary in North London. This ground-breaking arts-education partnership gives many students their first experience of live orchestral music, supports academic attainment and wellbeing, and provides young people with opportunities to develop their creative, technical and administrative skills.

This move builds upon the orchestra's acclaimed education programme, established over 20 years ago. Early years, school students, community groups and participants with special and additional needs are able to engage in music-making through free and low-cost activities with the OAE. Longstanding relationships with communities and music hubs around the country enable the OAE to develop educational programmes in partnership with participants, giving everyone an opportunity to experience vibrant, uplifting and moving music.