Next Concert

Sunday 3rd November 2024

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4th Mov from Beethoven Symphony No.5 from July Concert 2019

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Charity Concert with the Ayoub Sisters in aid of Copts In Need 

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Salford Symphony features in the BBC's FA Cup Final promo

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Concert to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme 

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Salford Symphony features in Judge Rinder's ITV promo

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Recording at the Royal Northern College of Music

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Who are we?

The late Joseph Needham originally founded the Salford Symphony Orchestra in 1947. It had been the hope for many years previously, that the City should have an orchestra to put Salford on the musical map.  Following a meeting in June of that year, where many of the City’s dignitaries were in attendance, it was decided that Salford should have its own orchestra.

The first concert was held in November 1947 in what is now Peel Hall, Salford University. This November there will be an anniversary concert at Peel Hall, to mark the 70^th year since the first concert, at the same venue.

Joseph Needham was a protégé of Sir Henry Wood, upon whose recommendation he came to Salford, where he was appointed director of music for Salford City Police Band. Eventually with the help of freelance professional string players, he formed Salford Symphony Orchestra. Sir John Barbirolli was the orchestra’s President for some years. Other presidents have included Ernest Tomlinson and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. After Joseph Needham’s death, John Crossdale took over as MD. His first performance was a memorial concert for ‘Joe’. Salford Education Authority with Jack Fryer as MD and conductor, later absorbed the orchestra.

After many successful years, the orchestra disbanded in 1985. Following requests from the Salford public and musicians, the orchestra was re-formed in 1995.

Since then the Orchestra has gone from strength to strength. The orchestra played  Mozart’s The Magic Flute for three sold out concerts, for the opening of the Lowry at Salford Quays, where Robert Powell narrated.  

The orchestra has also been involved in many projects with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, including several performances at the Imperial War Museum North, to mark the centenary of the start of  WW1.

The Orchestra has performed at many venues including the Bridgewater Hall, the RNCM, and Stockport Town Hall.

The Orchestra has recorded for Radio 3 at the former BBC Studio 7, Oxford Road Manchester,  in addition to recording a promotional video at the new BBC studios at Media City, for the ITV show Judge Rinder”. 

Performances took place at the Imperial War Museum North on 17 and 18 October 2014 (click on image for details)

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Ukrainian National Anthem from the 3rd July 2022 concert, which was dedicated to the People of Ukraine

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Player Profile

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What we do

The Orchestra aims to provide local people with interesting programmes and also offers platform opportunities for talented musicians (amateur and professional). Salford Symphony Orchestra performs four concerts per year. Rehearsals are held at St Paul's Church, Moor Lane, Kersal Moor, Salford, M7 3WX on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm.

The Orchestra Committee

Chairman: Simon Caplan (Violin 2)

Orchestra Manager: Christine Clarkson (Violin 1)

Musical Director:  Chris Clark

Leader: Jon Henderson

Librarian: Mary Boulos

Treasurer: Chris Kay

Membership Secretary (Patrons): Simon Caplan (Violin 2)

Subscription Secretary: Chris Kay

Orchestra Member's Representative John Eaton (Cello) 

Salford's Victoria Theatre

Become a Friend of the Salford Victoria Theatre and help save this historical gem. Click on image for more details.

Salford Symphony are Proud Sponsors of Salford Heart Care

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