Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is a Charitable Company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 22nd May 1954 and registered as a Charity on 24 July 1962. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the Charitable Company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

The objects for which the Company is established are to promote, maintain, improve and advance education, particularly musical education, and to encourage the arts, especially music.

The mission of the BSO is:
To be a Cultural Beacon at the heart of our communities, in and beyond the concert hall.

The vision of BSO is:
To be the model of a 21st century orchestra, enhancing lives through the power of music.