Gorton Philharmonic Society

The Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra prides itself on being the oldest orchestra in the North West, and possibly the whole country, since it was founded in 1854, three years before the Hallé, and has met regularly ever since, through two World Wars and several changes of concert venue, the longest period being at Kings Hall, Belle Vue.
The orchestra is comprised of enthusiastic amateurs, and some semi-professionals, and meets most Sunday mornings to rehearse and prepare for the forthcoming concert, the programme for which usually includes works from the standard orchestral repertoire but also includes some modern works which are attractive to both players and audiences. There is a professional Leader, John Resek, an ex-BBC Philharmonic Orchestra player, who leads and coaches the string sections. The present Musical Director is Juan Ortuño, a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable conductor, who is well liked by both players and audiences. Guest Conductors include Marco Bellasi, and Tom Newall. There is a popular Carol Concert each year at Gorton Monastery, the format for which is a number of carols for the audience to sing, interspersed with light music pieces – always popular with the capacity audience. Other conductors over the years have included John Crosdale, Colin Touchin, Nicholas Simpson and Stephen Threlfall, the Orchestra’s President, who is Director of Music at Chethams School of Music. Through this contact, many of our concert soloists are pupils of Chethams School, some of whom have gone on to be finalists in the BBC Young Musician of the Year.