In 1858, Sir Charles Hallé held a strong belief: music should be for everyone.
This simple idea turned into a wonderful gift when Hallé founded his groundbreaking orchestra right here in Manchester, bringing world-class music to people’s doorsteps.
A lot has changed since then, but we’re still committed to sharing Hallé’s incredible gift with our great city and beyond. Every year, we change lives, connect communities and enrich the world around us. Together, through the power of music, we reach over 90,000 people in our community.
Our people
Many music legends have shaped us over the years: Hans Richter, Hamilton Harty, John Barbirolli … to name a few. The baton passed to Kahchun Wong to start a new chapter in our history as Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor. Meanwhile, after almost 25 years as Music Director, Sir Mark Elder became our Conductor Emeritus at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Our players
At the heart of the Hallé, our players create the world-famous sound that moves audiences every day. These extraordinary artists come from across the globe, combining their talents as soloists, chamber musicians, educators and more. At their helm are our dynamic Leaders; the amazingly talented Roberto Ruisi and Emily Davis.
Our shared passion
Today, we’re an orchestra of over 80 musicians, 500 singers across five choirs and a core team of more than 50 passionate music lovers. Together, we’re dedicated to honouring Hallé’s legacy and to leaving a lasting impact, long after the music stops. From the concert hall to the classroom, we continue to find new, relevant and exciting ways to share Hallé’s gift of music with the world. And bring the joy, passion and beauty of music to people’s lives everywhere.
How we do this
Our seasons have plenty to tempt listeners. From breathtaking classics and non-classical music to family performances and relaxed concerts, not to mention bold new works from some of the finest musical talent here and across the world. Every year, our community grows, shaped and connected by the joy, passion and beauty of music.
Where we do this
In Manchester, a city of incredible musical talent and diversity. We’ve been proud to call it home for almost 170 years. Originally starting out in Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, we’re now resident in the specially-built Bridgewater Hall – one of the world’s greatest concert venues. Every year, we perform to audiences of more than 100,000 people.
We also have homes in Ancoats. There is Hallé St Peter’s, where we rehearse, record and perform, and Hallé at St Michael’s, a space for our other activities and community events.
Our world
As well as bringing world-class talent to Manchester, we also bring Manchester’s talent to the world. We hold residencies in major UK cities and often perform at prestigious international festivals like the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival. Not to mention touring overseas. We launched our own record label and regularly broadcast concerts online too. We’ve been busy winning awards while we’re at it – including a 2022 South Bank Sky Arts Award.
We are the players and the people, the composers and the conductors, the choirs and the communities. We hope our listeners, new and old, near and far, will join us for the journey.