About Us

WHAT IS THE SPO?

Established in 1945 by its founder and first Musical Director, Hermann 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.

CHARLOTTE PINDER (Leader)

Charlotte hails from Rotherham and learned to play the violin with the Rotherham Music Service throughout the 1990s.  She went on to study music at the University of Wales, Bangor, where she nurtured a particular interest in playing Baroque music. Charlotte has performed as a soloist both with orchestras in the region and has been a valued member of the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra for many years.  She currently teaches violin for the Doncaster Music Service and she has recently trained for a Masters qualification in Music Therapy with Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.  She now delivers music therapy in local special schools, and at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, making connections through music with children who have a variety of difficulties and needs.

VACANCIES

Want to join the team? The SPO is a friendly, welcoming and ambitious orchestra. We Rehearse on Tuesday evenings during term time (7.30-9.45pm) in the heart of the City Centre at the beautiful Victoria Hall (adjacent to the Crucible Theatre). The SPO are committed to playing a broad repertoire of music and putting on high quality, well attended concerts that engage and entertain regular concert goers and the local community.  We have an 80+ strong orchestra, but we always like to hear from players interested to join so if you are interested please do get in touch via our Contact Us page.