The Hallé Orchestra

The Hallé has been Manchester’s orchestra since 1858 and is recognised as one of the world’s great ensembles. Its rich history began with Sir Charles Hallé’s vision of a leading orchestra in the industrial north. The landmark symphony pieces and ambitious programming soon proved extremely popular with the public – an approach which was continued by his successors.

For most of its history, the Hallé was based in Manchester’s Free Trade Hall – rebuilt after being bombed in the Blitz. Since the 1990s, Hallé has been at the magnificent Bridgewater Hall, where it performs to around 100,000 people annually. In recent years, under the leadership of Mark Elder, the orchestra’s work has expanded with a Youth Orchestra and Choir (free and open to any talented musicians aged 13-19). The Hallé also launched its own record label in 2003 that has won five prestigious Gramophone Awards.

The Hallé St Peter’s. Credit: Hallé Concerts Society

The Monument Trust supported the orchestra between 2011 and 2017, enabling a transformational expansion of the orchestra’s work both on and off the stage. Funding enabled the orchestra to take more risks in its programme and realise huge ambitions – supporting new works, and platforming the work of young and emerging composers. The Hallé could also develop its repertoire by performing pieces rarely accomplished by symphony orchestras, including operas such as Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

With funding from The Monument Trust, a new building opened in 2013 as a rehearsal space for the orchestra. Significantly, this was the first time that it had owned a building. As well as rehearsals, it acts as an alternative venue for performances, including as an inclusive space for ‘relaxed performances’ for children and young people, as well as those with disabilities.

The space is now a vibrant community resource serving local residents and a source of additional income to support the Hallé’s sustainability in the longer term.

The Monument Trust’s funding meant that the Hallé had the foundations to continue pushing the boundaries of artistic excellence. As a result, Manchester can continue to enjoy the very best classical music.