Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra started in 1997 in Berkshire UK as a community project with support from Mangrove Steel Band and Arts Council England. The name RASPO commemorates Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO), the very first steel band to play in the UK at the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Awards and Performances:
1997 RASPO set up.
1999 ITV’s Rosie and Jim ‘The Steel Drum’. BBC’s Children in Need Appeal
2001 WOMAD UK. BBC South TV
2004 Arts Council England deciBel showcase
2005 RASPO joins the British Association of Steelbands (BAS)
2006 Olinda Carnival BRAZIL. BBC Radio Berkshire Community Award
2007 Notting Hill Carnival & Steelband Championship
2008 Sky Sports St James Park
2009 WOMAD UK. ‘RASPO Live!’ CD recorded in Berkshire. BAS Achievement Award
2010 Festival of World Cultures Dublin. Notting Hill Carnival & Steelband Championship
2011 Notting Hill Carnival & Steelband Championship
2012 Mayor of London’s Giant Olympic Rings launch at Tower Bridge London.

‘RASPO Rhythms’ CD recorded at Carnival Village, Notting Hill Olympic Torch Relay Madejski Stadium Tour of Showtime for London 2012 Festival during the Olympic Games. Royal Albert Hall performance with BBC Proms Family Orchestra for BBC Radio 3. With awards for achievement and two live CD recordings RASPO is now well established as a professional international outfit providing orchestras and ensembles to surprise and delight audiences at festivals, carnivals and events throughout the year in the UK and abroad.

Available line ups:

3 or 4 piece Ensemble when background music is required.
A small 3 – 4 piece group of pan musicians creates a laid back ambient atmosphere.

Steel Bands 5 – 8 piece - for functions, weddings and parties.
The popular affordable choice ideal for both background music during dinner and up tempo party music for dancing.

Steel Pan Orchestra 10+ for carnivals, festivals, stadiums and large theatres.
An orchestra of 10 to fifty musicians creates a vibrant carnival party atmosphere ideal for the most effective audience impact at larger events.