STOCKPORT’S ORCHESTRA

ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA

Regarded as one of the foremost non-professional orchestras in the UK, Stockport Symphony Orchestra
was formed in 1975 as The New Orchestra of
Manchester. In 1978 Stockport Metropolitan Borough
Council offered the orchestra a permanent home in
the Town Hall where it now celebrates more than 40
seasons as the Borough's official orchestra.



Each season the SSO gives a series of eight concerts in Stockport’s Town Hall Ballroom covering a wide repertoire and frequently undertaking challenging and adventurous works with international conductors and soloists. About 120 musicians play regularly in the orchestra though seldom at the same time!

Encouraging young musicians

The orchestra has long been committed to providing opportunities to young musicians, often featuring young soloists and conductors in the early stages of their careers. 

The orchestra gives concert conducting opportunities to students each season and the three Stockport International Young Musicians Competitions which have run so far are a natural development of that ethos.