Today, we are thrilled to have launched our new brand identity – just one week before we announce the 2026/27 Manchester concert season.

Over 20 years since the last brand refresh, the new identity honours our long-standing legacy whilst looking confidently to the future. It reflects how the orchestra and our audiences have evolved, and supports our ongoing work to welcome more people to share music with us – whether that’s attending performances or through our expansive community and education programmes, which reach over 90,000 people, including 40,000 children and young people, each year.

Working in collaboration with creative agency EDIT Brand Studio and audience research specialists Indigo, we consulted staff, players and audiences to understand how the brand could better profile our work and continue to welcome new and returning audiences – across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Founded in Manchester in 1858 by Sir Charles Hallé, the orchestra holds an important place in the city’s world-famous music scene and tours regularly, both nationally and internationally. Consultation made clear how deeply this heritage is valued by audiences and stakeholders, and how the brand could carry it forward for the audiences of today and tomorrow.

 

The ‘H’ monogram

At the heart of our brand identity is a reimagined version of the Hallé’s iconic ‘H’ – a sweeping lettering first introduced in the 1960s, now reworked as a graphic device that interacts with type and images. Developed by lettering artist Dan Forster, whose work has shaped marks for many notable household names, the elegant motif also captures the essence of an infinity symbol – a nod to the constant innovation at the heart of the Hallé’s enduring passion for music.

The classic design of the ‘H’ is paired with a clean, contemporary typeface whose cursive elements neatly echo its flow.

 

Colours of our city

Firmly rooted in, and proud of, our Mancunian home, the modern colour palette was inspired by the city surrounding us, with hues drawn from the brick, tiles, stone and metals of Manchester’s eclectic cityscape – from our home at The Bridgewater Hall, to the Hallé venues in vibrant Ancoats, Hallé St Peter’s and Hallé at St Michael’s.

 

Capturing the energy

Fresh photography was commissioned with photographer Drew Forsyth, showcasing the music and musicians of the orchestra in new and creative ways, whilst remaining authentic and honest – locating them in spaces that have connection to the Hallé.

 

Digital audiences

The new brand also expands the possibilities for digital content and design, and today we have also launched our refreshed website, developed in collaboration with EDIT and digital design agency, Cog, with an updated homepage and an improved user journey.