When John Barbirolli first took on the Hallé back in 1943, his first task was to populate the orchestra with players, as the Hallé was left in a precarious situation post-war. 

We found this letter dated 22nd June 1943, from the Executive Committee to our friends in Sheffield that negotiations for support by the Manchester local council are progressing.  

Part of the letter reads “We are in the throes of selecting the personnel of the Orchestra at the moment, but in a very few days now we hope to be ready to start on rehearsals.”