Celebrating over 140 years of music making in the heart of Hull

The Hull Philharmonic Orchestra is recognised as one of the nation's leading amateur symphony orchestras and has been a major feature in the city's cultural landscape for over 140 years. The story started on June 1881 when a small group of dedicated music lovers gathered at the George Hotel in Hull and proposed the formation of an orchestral music society. With just 27 players, a devoted committee and loyal patrons, the Hull Philharmonic Society was born.

Still performing a regular season of three concerts in Hull's magnificent City Hall, we boast a history of renowned directors, including national figures such as Sir Henry Wood, founder of the Proms, and Andrew Penny MBE who retired as Musical Director in 2022. Our current Musical Director is Simon Chalk, a regular conductor for the Southern Sinfonia as well as a Guest Conductor for both the Slovak Sinfonietta and the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Simon is supported by Dr Elaine King as Assistant Musical Director. Elaine is a Senior Lecturer and researcher in Music at the University of Hull.

The orchestra continues to expand and develop, successfully tackling some of the most challenging works of the orchestral repertoire whilst rising to the challenge of diversifying audiences. The orchestra now has more than 80 members drawn from local professional and amateur musicians, and looks forward to a future in which is continues to thrive and grow.