Christine Stanton’s splendid book “Philharmonic Notes” is now available at just £5.00 per copy. Numbers are limited by a relatively small micro print / publishing run so “buy now” to avoid disappointment (and help boost the Society’s funds through generous donation of any profits).

Says Peter Lewis, President:

“A fascinating read, with many insights from the last 25-30 years or so of the Phil’s history, I wish a copy had been available when I first started my own involvement with the Phil’s ..read more

Huddersfield Examiner 25 June 2012

Concert Review by David Heathcote

Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra crowned its 150th season with an excellent programme of well-loved opera classics.

Opening with Les Toreadors from Bizet’s Carmen, they played with spirit, energy and excitement. The overture from Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie showed the orchestra at its best and afforded conductor Nicholas Smith an opportunity to explore his excellent musical instincts, giving the audience  an interesting, colourful and engaging piece. The young violinist Peter Chasse embodied the physicality and ..read more

Huddersfield Examiner 30 April 2012

Concert review by William Marshall

In front of a large town hall audience, the two most venerable organisations in Huddersfield musical life combined for a true celebration of local cultural traditions.

It was a gala concert to mark the 150th anniversary of Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra, and the presence of the 176-year-old Huddersfield Choral Society meant that this really was a remarkable occasion.

“There are few towns in the whole country, or the whole world, that have such a distinguished ..read more

Huddersfield Examiner Saturday 10 March 2012

The 150th anniversary of Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra was marked with a civic reception. About 200 people attended the event at Huddersfield Town Hall, including past and present conductors and most of the current orchestra.

There were speeches from the orchestra’s longest-serving member, cellist Paul Michelson, who has been a member for almost 56 years, current president Peter Lewis, and Kirklees Mayor Clr Eric Firth.

The orchestra can trace its roots back to 1862, when a Unitarian Minister ..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 be labelled with one of the thematic umbrella titles that orchestras like to devise whenever possible. On the other hand, the music of Brahms – for all its poise and ..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 audience for concerts and contributing to the life of the orchestra. A fuller appreciation of her contributions will be posted at a later date.

There will be a funeral service at ..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 the concert, the blaring fortissimo at the start of the final movement of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony pinned the entire Town Hall audience back in their seats.

It is sometimes the case ..read more

Title: Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra

Venue: Huddersfield Town Hall

Review: William Marshall.

After the events of November, when  the abrupt, acrimonious departure of principal conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa made headline news in the Examiner and throughout the country, this was one of the most important concerts in the history of the Huddersfield Phil.

Any suggestion of lingering low morale or musical sloppiness would be ominous indeed for one of the most important musical institutions in the country’s most musical town.

It can be reported that from an ..read more

Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra are delighted to have been invited to be the resident orchestra for a new venture, Huddersfield Youth Opera, whose opening concert “excerpts from the world’s favourite operas” will be on Saturday 25th September 2010, 7.30pm at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. We are particularly happy that our leader, Mary Barber, will be leading those players who are taking part. Huddersfield Youth Opera aims to provide opportunities for aspiring young vocalists to gain experience and add to their repertoire.

Please see the ..read more

Due to an unexpected problem, you may not have received a reply to enquiries about the orchestra during the last 2 to 3 weeks. This problem has now been rectified. We apologise for this and would request that, if you have not already done so, you re-send the enquiry.  This will enable us to ensure we respond to you as a priority. Thank you for your patience.