Our Musical Director
We were delighted in the late Autumn of 2025 to welcome Christopher Irvin as our new Musical Director. In Leeds he founded The Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra over ten years ago. As an orchestral oboist he plays with Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra, Oldham Symphony Orchestra and Rochdale Light Orchestra as well as in many local ensembles as required. Recent recital work has included concertos with Northern Baroque Orchestra, Walshaw Music and Todmorden Summer Orchestra. His compositions are broadcast on Classic FM and RTE Lyric FM (albums MIDSUMMER MOODS performed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and JOIE DE VIVRE performed by the RTE Concert Orchestra are available on all streaming services).
2026 Spring Rehearsal Dates
January – 13, 20, 27,
February – 3, 10, 17, 24,
March – 3, 10, 17th.
Our Rehearsals
We rehearse on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm – 3pm in the church hall at
St Jude’s Church,
Free School Lane,
Halifax, HX1 2XE.
It would be helpful if you are able to bring your own music stand. Please arrive early enough to set up for a prompt 2pm start.
Would you like to join us?
Have you played an instrument in the past and would love to start playing again?
Do you love making music and are looking for a friendly group to play with?
We are actively looking for new players to join us so please get in touch using our form or come along on a Tuesday.
Hear from some of our members
Currently 26 members
(January 2026)
Ian (Cello)“As a retired person it is really good to be able to get together with others to keep my cello playing up to standard, to explore playing new pieces of music together and look forward to performing them in public.”
Kathryn (Clarinet)“I love the joy of playing music with others and music brings an upliftment in my wellbeing.”
Polly (Flute)“I enjoyed playing in a youth orchestra as a teenager so it’s lovely to play in an orchestra again in retirement.”