150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE HALLÉ ORCHESTRA

That this House celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester; is grateful for the Hallé's contribution to bringing classical music to generations of Mancunians, as well as much further afield; honours Sir Charles Hallé, the founder of the Hallé Orchestra; recognises the fact that the Hallé is the longest-established, professional symphony orchestra in Britain; commends the Hallé Orchestra's long-standing professionalism in performing concerts every year since its inception; is aware of the litany of celebrated names who have appeared with the Orchestra, conductors such as Hans Richter, Hamilton Harty, Thomas Beecham, Malcolm Sargent and John Barbirolli as well as revered soloists such as Rachmaninov, Rubinstein, Barenboim, Yehudi Menuhin, Kiri te Kanawa, Luciano Pavarotti, Lesley Garrett and Janet Baker; acknowledges the Hallé Orchestra's continuing commitment to reaching out to people who may not have otherwise experienced their work; and wishes the conductor Mark Elder and Mr Hallé's band a wonderful night for the 150th anniversary concert and for many more years to come.