The Hallé gave its first concert in 1858 under the baton of its founder Sir Charles Hallé. Until his death in 1895 Sir Charles conducted almost every concert and performed as piano soloist at many. Under the guidance of such distinguished conductors as Hans Richter, Sir Hamilton Harty and Sir John Barbirolli the Orchestra has continued to thrive and develop. For the vast majority of its history the Hallé’s home in Manchester was the Free Trade Hall. During the war period the Hallé performed concert series in the Albert Hall and Kings Hall Belle Vue. The Hallé performed its last concert at the Free Trade Hall in June 1996 before moving into its magnificent new home just a few minutes walk away at The Bridgewater Hall.
It supports a choir, youth choir, youth training choir, children's choir and a youth orchestra and releases its recordings on its own record label.
Sir Mark Elder has been Music Director of the Hallé since September 2000.
