There is a lively music tradition in Bedford, with societies to cater for every taste. Drama productions take place at regular intervals at the Corn Exchange, the Civic Theatre and the Bowen-West Theatre.

The Bedfordshire Orchestral Society fields two orchestras: The Bedford Symphonia was founded by Michael Rose, and membership is by invitation only. This orchestra specialises in chamber works.
The Bedfordshire Symphonia Orchestra is much larger and includes a full brass section. Instrumentalists interested in joining should contact John Shayler on 01234 358835.

The Bedford Choral Society has a long tradition dating back to 1867. This 140 strong chorus performs a wide range of choral music.
Talented new singers are always welcomed; they should ring 01234 822847 to arrange an audition.

A major attraction is the internationally acclaimed Philharmonia Orchestra which has been resident orchestra at Bedford Corn Exchange since 1994, performing on average eight concerts a year, as well as a full and varied programme of education and community activity in the local community. The residency is funded by Bedford Borough Council and the Arts Council of England.

 

The Bedfordshire Competitive Music Festival, a popular event, is held in March. The syllabus is usually obtainable from about November.

School music is particularly well catered for in Bedfordshire. There are four Youth Orchestras, The County Youth and Second Orchestras being generally regarded as among the best in the country, often performing abroad, and regularly broadcast. Details of music activities are available from the County Hall Education Offices, Cauldwell Street. There is also a Saturday Morning Music School for young people, held at Pilgrim House, Brickhill Drive.

The Sharnbrook Trust regularly puts on shows and musicals from its base.

The Swan Theatre Company was formed in 1989 by the renaming of the "Bradgate Players". The Bradgate Players had itself been formed in 1947 initially as a winter pursuit for the members of the still flourishing "Bradgate Road Tennis Club". The site contains full details of future and past productions, and a large number of photographs from archives.

The Bedford Marianettes perform two musicals each year plus a pantomime at Christmas.

Milton Keynes Amateur Operatic Society also has a regular programme of productions.

The Bedford Amateur Opera Society is also active, putting on 3 productions a year.

The Bedfordshire Youth Theatre has been producing quality drama in Bedfordshire since the 1980s, and has a number of considerable successes under its belt.