Next Concert

Sunday 25th October 2026

Click on image for more details

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”.