The players in the Hallé are among the finest in the world and have come from 14 countries all over the world to work in Manchester. Many teach at the Royal Northern College of Music and Chetham’s School of Music and other UK wide specialist Conservatoires and schools, playing and teaching in the wider community. All are involved in the Hallé’s concerts in the UK and overseas and are central to our huge community and outreach programme.

Now in its 166th season, the Hallé ranks among the UK’s top symphonic ensembles. With a reputation for artistic excellence, the Hallé remains determined to seek ways to enhance and refresh what it undertakes. Sir Mark Elder became Music Director in 2000.

Founded in Manchester by Sir Charles Hallé, the Hallé gave its first concert in the Free Trade Hall on 30 January 1858. The Hallé’s distinguished history of acclaimed performances includes over 70 concerts each year in The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, around 40 concerts a year around Britain, international tours, frequent broadcasts and televised performances.