The Orchestra Welcomes You!

Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra is the longest-running orchestra in Sheffield. A collective of talented and enthusiastic amateur musicians, we stage symphonic concerts of the highest quality. Following our barnstorming performance at the Sheffield Rotary Club's "Music in the Gardens" festival in July 2011, we are pulling together a compelling 2011-12 concert season under Musical Director Jonathan Lo, featuring the talents of, among others, Benjamin Frith. This continues to be an exciting time for the orchestra, so please do join us for the ride, as audience member, or maybe even as a player!

Musical Director Jonathan Lo

Sheffield Philharmonic is pleased to announce the continuing engagement of Musical Director Jonathan Lo for their 66th Concert Season. Following his energetic and accomplished direction of the Phil's concert run last year, Jonathan again takes up the baton and, drawing upon his expertise and his extensive resources both in musicianship and musical contacts, we look forward to our players being encouraged and enriched and our audiences thrilled in 2011-12.

The History of the SPO

The Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) gave its first public performance on Sunday the 22nd of April 1945 in Sheffield City Hall, conducted by Hermann Lindars, founder of the orchestra.

The audience included the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Sheffield and the Master and Mistress Cutler, Lord and Lady Riverdale. At the time the orchestra was known as the Sheffield Amateur Symphony Orchestra.

A year or so later it was incorporated into the Philharmonic Concerts Department of the Sheffield Corporation, taking on the name by which it is known today.