Arnold Sinfonia – named in honour of a great English composer, Sir Malcolm Arnold, who was Composer Patron of Haverhill Sinfonia for 10 years from 1996 until his death. Born in Northampton in 1921, Malcolm Arnold studied at the Royal College of Music, joining the London Philharmonic Orchestra as principal trumpet in 1942. He wrote music for over 80 films including The Bridge on the River Kwai which won him an Oscar and Inn of the Sixth Happiness which brought him an Ivor Novello award. Malcolm Arnold has left a large catalogue of instrumental music, including nine symphonies and many concertos. In 1970 he was awarded the CBE and for his work as a composer, Malcolm Arnold was created a Knight Bachelor in the Queen's 1993 New Year's Honours List. Sir Malcolm's music is a wonderfully inspiring legacy of sound and emotion which will captivate and stimulate far into the future.

In addition to performing music by Sir Malcolm, the Arnold Sinfonia aims to perform new works, neglected repertoire and British music alongside standard repertoire and will echo Sir Malcolm's sentiment, that everyone enjoy the music.