Players from the Cardiff Video Game Orchestra sitting on a Minecraft block.

About Us

The Cardiff Video Game Orchestra was founded in 2024 by Alex Tompkins.

We are an amateur community orchestra comprised of musicians from all across the skill spectrum, from those picking up their instrument after ten years away, all the way to full-time professionals. Members come in from the greater Cardiff area and beyond with a love for playing fun and interesting music from all sorts of genres.

We love encouraging one another to learn and improve (and talking about video games is a bonus!).

Upcoming Concerts

Our next concert is scheduled to take place at the beginning of July.

Stay tuned for venue and concert info!

Peep the poster for our last concert! Art by member Arin Smethurst
Pink and blue blurred background with text and graphics resembling a game start menu. Five portraits of musicians resemble a 'player select' menu. Pink and blue blurred background with text and graphics resembling a game start menu. Five portraits of musicians resemble a 'player select' menu.
We will be rocking some bangers such as:

Ticket prices will be released in advance or nearer the time.
Cash and card is accepted.

Join Us

We're delighted you're interested in playing with us!

We're an inclusive group that welcomes all people from diverse musical backgrounds, experiences and grade levels to share in the joy of video game music. You do not have to be a student to join. While we don't ask for CVs, auditions or proof of music grade levels, we would like you to be aware that some of the music can be challenging, so a foundation of a least grade 3 is recommended.
Our year is divided into three ten-week terms: spring term (January - March, with a March concert), summer term (April - June, with a July concert) and autumn term (September - November, with a November concert). While members are not required to attend every rehearsal, we ask you attend as many as possible and practice at home when you can.
If you are interested in performing with us but cannot commit to regular rehearsals, still feel free to reach out! We also welcome deps (concert-only players) for all instruments. Prospective members may join us for a couple of rehearsals before deciding to commit.
We rehearse from 7:15-9:15pm at Cathays Community Centre on Mondays.
Membership fees are £70 per term or £40 for a concession. Please contact the committee treasurer if you need financial assistance.
We are currently in particular need of: - Bassoons - Trumpets - French Horns - Tubas - Percussion - Piano - Violins - Violas
We are currently not accepting: - None! Please join us!
Please submit the form below if you're interested in being part of our ensemble.
Join Us!

Arrange for Us

We typically source our music from arrangers online or have members of our ensemble submit arrangements of their favorite pieces. However, you don’t have to be either if you’d like us to play one of your arrangements!

Please be aware that as a not-for-profit, amateur organisation, this would not be a monetary exchange.

By submitting a score to us that you have personally arranged, you agree to let us perform, record, and make adjustments to your arrangement as we see fit; in exchange, we will not ask for any money from you, but we will credit you appropriately and invite you to any concerts in which your arrangement will be played.

First, take a look at our repertoire to make sure there’s no overlap. If all looks good, then please fill out the form below in order to begin a dialogue with the committee. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Arrange for Us!

Committee

Meet the people who keep CVGO running.

Alex Tompkins
Founder / Librarian
Cello
George Owen
Musical Director
The Baton
Stephen Baxter
Secretary
Viola
Fiona Tompkins
Treasurer
Violin
Kathy Clarke
Membership Secretary
Saxophone
James
Social Media Manager
Guitar
Arin Smethurst
Artist in Residence
Violin
Bee Lidstone
General Member
Percussion
Jasmine Bernhardt
Orchestra Lead
Violin

Media

March 2026

November 2025

July 2025

2024

Past Concerts

Summer 2024, Cathays Community Centre - Inaugural Concert

Including…


February 2025, St. John the Baptist Church - CVGO Returns

Including…


July 2025, Cathays Methodist Church - Summer Concert

Including…


November 2025, Cathays Methodist Church - Autumn Concert

Including…


Requests

If you’d like to hear a piece from us that we have not performed yet (check our repertoire list), then let us know through the form below!


Requests!

Volunteer with Us

Interested in taking part but aren’t particularly musical? You’re in luck!

Concerts are a big undertaking, so we’re always looking for extra hands to help us out and make sure our instrumentalists can concentrate on making music instead of scanning tickets.

Concert day duties might typically include: And more!

If you’re willing to do the above for compensated attendance to our concerts[?], then please fill out the form below to be added to our volunteer pool. We may be in touch closer to the concert Date.