Museum of Science and Industry

The ceremonial suit worn by the much-loved Halle conductor John Barbirolli, when he collected his Knighthood in 1949, has been bought by the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). The suit includes a velvet jacket, court shoes with buckles, hat, and a dress sword with scabbard, which will be temporarily displayed in the Collections Centre, as part of this year’s 150-year celebrations of the Halle Orchestra.  

The Halle was the first professional orchestra in the country and was formed by German émigré Charles Halle in 1858. Conductor and cellist Barbirolli (1899-1970) is particularly remembered for rebuilding the Halle after the Second World War. He was appointed conductor of the Halle in 1943, when the famous orchestra had been depleted to just 23 musicians.

He set to work straight away to find suitable musicians, and he virtually single-handedly pieced together the entire 70-member Halle orchestra. The orchestra became known as one of the finest in Europe, and toured the world under Barbirolli’s conductorship.

In 1949 Barbirolli was knighted by H.M. George VI, in recognition of his work for British music and musicians. In 1958 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Manchester.

Meg McHugh, curator of Community History at MOSI said: “We’re delighted to have acquired the suit that Barbirolli wore when he was knighted. He wore this at such an important time in his career and at a significant point for Manchester music, when the Halle orchestra was reborn. It’s largely thanks to his drive and energy that we can still enjoy the fantastic productions of the Halle today, and that the orchestra continues to be renowned for its performances throughout the world.”

Sir John was born in London and began his musical career with the Queen’s Hall Orchestra. He spent seven years as conductor of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, before returning to Britain to take up the conductorship of the Halle. In 1960-7 he returned to America to conduct the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He received honorary degrees from many universities and was elected an Honorary Academician of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia in Rome in 1960. 

Sir John was known for his sensitive musical interpretation and the transcriptions of early music, which he did for the modern orchestra.

EMI producer Ronald Kinloch Anderson said of Barbirolli: “Always he brought with him a sense of quiet authority, old world refinement and a big vital drive, which was instantly communicated to every orchestra member, every chorus member every soloist.”

For more information on the 150^th season for the Halle go to www.halle.co.uk

For media information please contact Sarah Roe Tel: 0161 606 0176 Mob: 07847 372647.

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