In addition to his solo work, Bashmet has toured the world with his own chamber orchestra, the Moscow Soloists.

A fierce defender of the Russian educational system with regard to music, which he sees as more rigorous than in the west, his commitment to his students after college has been such that he has twice formed a group called the Moscow Soloists.  The first group lasted for seven years. Then, almost as soon as it had disbanded ("divorced" is Bashmet's term), Richter's wife persuaded him that the fresh crop of young musicians needed him. Now the "new" Moscow Soloists is more than ten years old, with the same personnel as when it started.

Bashmet's enthusiasm for his players remains undiminished:

This orchestra has a very specific sound, a different sound - with a unique colour.

As in the zeal with which Bashmet encourages a new repertoire for his instrument in his solo career, he is keen to expand the repertoire for the string orchestra, not only with brand new music for the string ensemble to play, but also by rediscovering old music.

The orchestra enjoys a rewarding collaboration with record label Onyx - their first disc, of music by Shostakovich, Sviridov and Vainberg was greeted with acclaim. Their second disc, of music by Stravinsky and Prokofiev is now available, with a third in planning.

The orchestra maintains an extremely busy concert and touring schedule all over the world - recent tours have been to the Far East and the US, as well as numerous appearances in concert halls and at festivals throughout Europe.