Holland’s and The Halle – The perfect North West partnership

The partnership is centred on the Hallé’s large-scale education initiative, Come and Play with the Hallé. Holland’s will be sponsoring the programme for the rest of the current season and into next year.

Come and Play… gives hundreds of 8-12 year-olds their first introduction to the world of classical music and the opportunity to play at the magnificent Bridgewater Hall. Children from across Greater Manchester are invited to prepare pre-agreed pieces and songs in class which they then perform at the venue alongside the professional orchestra and up to 1000 other school children.

Neil Court-Johnston, Managing Director of Holland’s Pies, said:

“We are delighted to be able to announce this partnership with the Hallé. Both Holland’s and The Hallé have histories stretching back over 150 years and excel in our given fields. What’s more, both organisations have strong profiles and yet, most importantly, we remain utterly committed to our North West roots and the communities which have ultimately supported and nurtured us through the years.

“Holland’s is always eager to be involved in local education projects such as The Hallé’s Come and Play… scheme. The Hallé is a cultural icon and hopefully, through involvement in this programme, thousands of school children in Manchester will grow up being able to appreciate how lucky we are in the North West to have the orchestra based here.”

David McKeith, Chairman of the Hallé Orchestra, said:

“We’re extremely pleased to have Holland’s on board for this exciting project. Come and Play with The Hallé gets literally thousands of children actively involved and enthusiastic about classical music.

“The sound, and indeed spectacle, of nearly a thousand children playing along in a packed Bridgewater Hall is truly inspiring. It is fantastic to have Holland's united with the Hallé in their commitment to this project and the North West.”

Picture caption: (l-r) Steve Pickett, Education Director at the Hallé and Holland’s MD Neil Court-Johnston look on as Holland’s van driver Dave Court brushes up on his euphonium outside the Bridewater Hall in Manchester.