We’re heading back into the Hallé Archives for Throwback Thursday! Join us as we delve into history to see what gems are in store...

Securing the future of the Hallé Concerts Society is a constant passion for the teams, and we can’t do anything without our patrons. Prior to the patron programme, we operated a guarantors system, with pledges of £100 per person back at its start in 1899. But how to keep things moving, keep things fresh and, more importantly, keep things sustainable via diversified income? One proposal was to offer more tiers of financial support that Hallé-lovers could pledge, so having more guarantors with a smaller sum each. The original plan worked for a fair few decades, and supported the orchestra through the First World War.

However, with the Second World War pushing forward, and many original guarantors likely unable to commit much longer, a new generation of supporters was proposed on 11th January 1943. Leonard Behrens, descendent of Hallé’s close supporter, Gustav Behrens, outlines his proposal to Chairman Philip Godlee. Little did they know that our saving grace was just around the corner, with conductor John Barbirolli coming to save the day.