About the Orchestra

A Partnership with Salford

The BBC Philharmonic was adopted as Salford's very own symphony orchestra in 2007. The association was established as part of the opening of the BBC's new base in the North at MediaCityUK, Salford Quays.

The orchestra moved into its new state-of-the-art home in Salford in May 2011, where it can now welcome audiences of 250 to sit in on recordings and concerts - see In The Studio for details on how to attend these free events.

The partnership has led to all sorts of ways in which music lovers from Salford can get involved with their orchestra. The BBC Philharmonic's Salford Family Orchestra saw 90 amateur musicians from all over the city performing at the world's greatest music festival, the BBC Proms, in London in 2009, and at The Bridgewater Hall in 2010.

Players from the orchestra have performed out and about in the community, in venues as diverse as St Phillips church to Islington Mill, and in nursing homes, canteens and factories (pictured).

The orchestra has also worked closely with Salford Music and Performing Arts Service (MAPAS), creating opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills, confidence and career aspirations and offering them new performing platforms.