Since its formation in 1992, the orchestra has developed links with the east of England, establishing residencies in Cambridge and Norwich, and performing regularly in Aldburgh. The ensemble appears as most British festivals and venues, including the BBC Proms and increasingly in international concert halls. It broadcasts regularly on BBC Radio 3 and on Classic FM. A programme of workshops, family music days and children's concerts underpins its dedication to introducing music to new audiences.

The ensemble pursues an artistic agenda committed to broadening the music traditionally associated with orchestras. Their ground-breaking series Frank Zappa and the Fathers of Invention was followed by a tour with Django Bates and his jazz group The Human Chain, and in 2001 they completed a national tour organised by Joanna MacGregor. The Britten Sinfonia has premiered over fifty works by such composers as Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies, Django Bates and the orchestra's Composer in Association, John Woolrich.

Their regular concert series in Cambridge and Norwich were nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society award in 2003. Highlights of the 2004-2005 season include collaborations with Angela Hewitt, Imogen Cooper and John Mark Ainsley, and the premiere concert performance of James MacMillan's Second Piano Concerto with Joanna MacGregor.