WHAT IS THE SPO?
Established in 1945 by its founder and first Musical Director, Herman Lindars, the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra [SPO] has been making music in the Steel City for over 75 years. Starting life as the 'Sheffield Amateur Symphony Orchestra’ in 1945, the SPO prides itself on its rich musical history, as well as its core ethos of providing a medium for local musicians to flourish. Based in the cultural heart of the City of Sheffield at the Victoria Hall, the SPO draws on players of all backgrounds from across Yorkshire & the Humber, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire. The Orchestra has a busy schedule and gives no fewer than five concerts a year across Sheffield and beyond. Over the years the SPO has performed in many notable venues, such as: Sheffield City Hall, Buxton Pavilion Gardens and Birmingham Symphony Hall, where they recorded a live CD with revered acoustic and electric guitarist, Gordon Giltrap MBE. The Orchestra have also performed at music festivals on the islands of Crete, Malta and Sardinia.
WHO ARE THEY?
The SPO is an 80 strong diverse group of musicians from the Sheffield City Region. Members work and live locally as teachers, doctors, solicitors, engineers, architects, freelancers, students, retirees and all things in-between. The Sheffield Philharmonic is committed to supporting local talent across South Yorkshire; many of its younger members have gone on to study music at leading UK Conservatoires.
WHAT DOES THE ORCHESTRA PLAY?
The Sheffield Philharmonic is committed to performing a broad range of symphonic repertoire, as well as commissioning new music by local composers and arrangers. The SPO has accompanied a number of internationally acclaimed soloists, such as: Fenella Humphreys, Benjamin Frith and Rohan da Saram.
MEET THE TEAM
GEORGE MORTON - MD
George Morton read Music at the University of Sheffield. Having received his Bachelor's degree, he took up postgraduate studies with George Nicholson (composition/orchestration) and Kenneth Brown (trumpet). Since graduating, George has settled in the leafy city of Sheffield and continues to enjoy its proximity to the Peak District National Park and locally-brewed beer. As a Conductor, George is in demand across the North of England. George is also an award winning orchestrator and his arrangements have been performed to great acclaim at venues across the world.
