+ Oldham Symphony Orchestra

Founded 1963: ‘The orchestra rehearses weekly throughout the school year and gives concerts three times a year in Oldham, Rochdale and Manchester. The orchestra supports itself almost exclusively through membership subscriptions, a patronage scheme and ticket sales ... These sources of income are unlikely in the long run to sustain the orchestra, as each concert leads to a reduction in our reserves. We are actively seeking sponsorship, which will help us to maintain our aims and improve standards ... The orchestra performs an important function for the community by giving an opportunity for school leavers to continue musical performance into adult life and by providing a platform for young soloists’.