Music, Repertoire and Value

A three-month project exploring the Manchester Hallé Archives, a significant and comprehensive but under-utilised collection of documents relating to the Hallé’s history and operation. The project focused on the Orchestra’s activities during the 1943-44 season when there was a dramatic increase in the number of women orchestral players and in audience numbers, changes in repertoire, and performances in non-traditional venues such as dance halls and a circus. It resulted in a virtual exhibition and GPS tour launched to coincide with the Manchester International Festival, and a workshop bringing together music archivists and researchers from across the UK and Ireland. The research was conducted by postdoctoral researcher Jacky Waldock and supported by The Arts and Humanities Research Council. The project was led by Sara Cohen (IPM) in collaboration with Margaret Procter (Department of History, University of Liverpool) and Eleanor Roberts (Trust and Research Manager, Manchester Hallé).