The English Players was formed to accompany the English Chamber Choir back in the 1970s. Its first leader was Irvine Arditti (then co-leader of the LSO) and its personnel was drawn from the finest orchestral musicians working in London .

With London being in the forefront of performance on period instruments, the Players soon developed a parallel team of specialists in baroque and classical performances.

The English Players have frequently performed purely orchestral works and took part in a Mozart Festival in Arlesheim , Switzerland .

The present leader is Levine Andrade (another former member of the Arditti Quartet); Performances on period instruments have been led by Marshall Marcus, Andrew Manze, Polly Nobes and Roddy Skeaping.

Among the many distinguished musicians who have performed with the Players are:

Anthony Robson, Sue Dent, Marilyn Sansom, Barry Guy, Philippa Davies, Ian Jewel, David Campbell, John Toll, Richard Studt, Sophie Harris, Jan Schlapp, Katherine Hart, David Purser, Michael Laird and Crispian Steele-Perkins.