Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra reforms after 66 years with run of live concerts

74 years after its initial inception, the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra has reformed and plans to host a string of classic concerts in the region this summer.

First formed in Leeds in 1947 following the second world war, it was disbanded in 1955 – but has now been reformed as part of a plan to support struggling musicians adversely affected by the Covid pandemic.

Returning to the circuit this summer, musicians will play a string of open-air concerts – including a Picnic Proms at West Yorkshire‘s Harewood House with classical singer Alfie Boe.

Comprised entirely of Yorkshire musicians hailing from areas including Leeds, Skipton and York, it is hoped the newly reformed YSO will help to redress the balance of the classical music industry’s London-centric bias.

Yorkshire has been left without a symphony orchestra for nearly 70 years, so it’s about time really. Previous attempts to reform the YSO have been unsuccessful, but with a run of shows already confirmed for the summer we have more hope this time around.

Further shows confirmed for the summer so far include Boe at the Picnic Proms at Harewood, and Queen Symphonic at the Lakeside Live outdoor festival at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster.

 Its initial conductor was Maurice Miles who remained with the orchestra for the next decade. The inaugural season of 120 concerts included 60 in Leeds.

In the orchestra’s early days, audiences at Leeds town hall often included the likes of writer Alan Bennett and Bradford-born artist David Hockney.  

Its initial conductor was Maurice Miles who remained with the orchestra for the next decade, leading an inaugural season of 120 concerts featuring works from 30 contemporary British composers.

The newly reformed ensemble has been revived by Yorkshire conductor Ben Crick and Leeds-based concert promoter Jamie Hudson and will play a number of engagements across the north of England this summer as well as running its own Yorkshire tour.