[1] It was formed in 1956, and has provided orchestral experience for many players who have gone on to achieve professional success, such as Christian Blackshaw, Jennifer Pike, and Nicholas Kenyon.
The orchestra maintains a diverse and challenging repertoire and has a substantial library of orchestral music.
Recent soloists include Emma Oldfield, William Morley, Alice Purton, George Hoult, Micha Nemtsov and Yukihiro Nishimoto.
In Spring 2024 the orchestra performed the Stockport Songbook with local primary school choirs.
Former Musical Directors include Philip MacKenzie, Derek Margerson and Xenophon Kelsey, MBE.