The Phil’s concert on Saturday 12 November 2011 began with a performance of Sibelius’ Valse Triste, played in acknowledgement of the death in July of Mary Rafferty, leader of the orchestra from 1988 to 2009. The choice of music was made in conjunction with Mary’s husband, Ken. Along with the ..read more

Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Monday 14 November 2011

Review by William Marshall of

Concert in Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday 12 November 2011

Extravagant folk music-infected compositions by Khachaturian and Borodin began and ended this concert and between them was the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major.

So this was not a concert that could easily ..read more

We are delighted to announce an exciting series of  four subscriber concerts next season, celebrating our 150th Anniversary in year 2012, conducted by Nicholas Smith.

Dates booked for the Huddersfield Town Hall (”subscriber” season 2011-12) are as follows, with the musical programmes as indicated – all subject to finalisation and confirmation. 

We are always keen to receive applications from players interested in joining the Phil’s orchestra. Come and join us for a unique opportunity experience to play in an orchestra celebrating its 150th Anniversary!

In particular we are currently, Autumn 2011, especially interested in hearing from string section players in the following disciplines:

Violins ..read more

Members and friends of Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra will be saddened to learn of the death last weekend of former leader, Mary Rafferty, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mary was a distinguished leader for many years and, even after her retirement due to increasing ill-health, was in the ..read more

Huddersfield Phil members enjoyed forming the band under Nick Smith’s baton for Silk Opera’s production of “The Mikado” at Gawsworth Hall, Macclesfield.

Feedback comments from the Silk Opera  website,  guestbook page, at www.silkopera.com/guestbook/

Congratulations on the brilliant production of “The Mikado”. You gave us all a real treat at The Hall. The best production ever! ..read more

Huddersfield Examiner 6 June 2011

Concert revue by William Marshall

For the great majority of people, movie soundtracks, rather than the concert hall, CDs, Radio 3 or Classic FM, are where they encounter and experience orchestral music.

It is a canny tactic, then, for an organisation like the Huddersfield Phil to put on ..read more

Huddersfield Examiner – 2 May 2011

Review by William Marshall

Having been confirmed as its new principal conductor, Nicholas Smith presided over one of the Huddersfield Philharmonic’s most assured, mature performances for a long time.

It was a demanding programme, but there was always plenty of power in reserve. Towards the close of ..read more

The following story appeared in the Sunday Mirror of 27 March 2011 and, cpmplete with illustrations, is accessible on line at

www.mirror.co.uk/…/found-at-last-the-violin-played-by-the-titanic- bandmaster-as-the-ship-went-down-115875-23018075/ -

Other posts on this site document the link between Wallace Hartley and Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra

Exclusive by Mike Merritt

The missing violin played by the Titanic’s band ..read more

Our thanks to players Bob (Principal Horn)  and Julie (trumpet) Shaw for providing this insight into the musicians aboard the Titanic, including bandleader Wallace Hartley, former playng member of the Huddersfield Philharmonic. It is an interesting coincidence that the centenary of the voyage of the Titanic occurs in the same year ..read more