Founded in 1932, the St Albans Symphony Orchestra brings professional and amateur musicians together to perform major symphonic works, concertos with leading soloists and an annual New Year's Day concert in St Albans Abbey. The orchestra welcomes new players of a high standard, especially strings (see website for current vacancies). The SASO Friends scheme (minimum donation £25) offers priority booking, a 10% discount on all tickets, reserved seats in the front rows of the Abbey for the New Year concert and invitations to social events.