Est. 1967
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
The Best Big Band in the Land
Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra has been thrilling audiences in concert halls, theatres, TV shows and music festivals all over Great Britain and Continental Europe for over 50 years - an exciting blend of high octane Big Band Swing and Classic Dance Music, from wartime Glenn Miller and the Count Basie era to Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Count Basie himself said the band was "so good it should be BANNED!"
What people say
“Polished musicianship at its very best”
“Chris Dean's Syd Lawrence Orchestra… What a singer, what a tight ship!”
“This is the country's finest Big Band.”
“What an absolute pleasure Chris and this band are to work with.”
“Chris Dean and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra are a must see and a must hear.”
“The Syd Lawrence Orchestra is the finest and most authentic orchestra in Britain.”
Book The Orchestra
If you would like to book the Syd Lawrence Orchestra for a concert, broadcast, recording, dance, wedding or corporate event, please contact our Bookings Manager, Media & P.R. Management.
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra Society
Hello and welcome. We are an organisation run by and for supporters of the Best Band in the Land. The society actively supports the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and keeps members informed through a bi-monthly magazine packed with articles, reviews, pictures and interviews, plus an up-to-date listing of upcoming concerts.
Find out more about the SLO Society
Musical Director
Chris Dean
Orchestra leader Chris Dean is Britain's foremost Big Band leader. Invited to join the Syd Lawrence Orchestra by Syd himself in 1978, he took over leadership in 1996 and has led the band to "Best Big Band in the Land" for 13 consecutive years.
Read Chris's full profile →
Get in touch
Questions about booking, the Supporters Club, or anything else? Send us a message.
Planning an event?
Talk to us about booking the Syd Lawrence Orchestra for a concert, dance, wedding or corporate event.