The Worthing Symphony Orchestra is the professional orchestra for the town of Worthing and the only professional orchestra in the English county of West Sussex. Founded in 1926, the orchestra was the first municipal orchestra in Britain. The WSO's principal conductor John S Gibbons, has led the ensemble since 1997. The orchestra is led by Julian Leaper, who also leads the City of London Sinfonia. As of 2008, the orchestra comprised around 55-60 musicians. The orchestra performs at the Assembly Hall in Worthing, which, according to the WSO's principal conductor, John Gibbons, boasts some of the finest acoustics in Europe. Notable musicians who have performed with the WSO at the Assembly Hall include Julian Lloyd Webber, and Nicola Benedetti. The WSO also accompanies competitors in the Sussex International Piano Competition.