Manchester's Hallé Orchestra goes global with IT firm

By Stephen Sumner

Manchester's renowned Hallé Orchestra has signed a new sponsorship deal with of one of the UK’s leading IT companies.

Rochdale’s Zen International is sponsoring the Hallé symphony orchestra in recognition of the band’s position in Manchester’s history and culture.

Managing Director Richard Tang had some say in the deal, as seeing them play as a child gave him a life-long affinity for classical music.

“I am delighted that Zen is able to help them realise the potential of taking their music into the digital arena,” said Mr Tang.

Zen is Hallé’s first technology sponsor, and has used its expertise to improve the orchestra’s online presence, with a multimedia website, www.halleplay.co.uk, to showcase the orchestra’s videos.

The videos feature interviews with members of the orchestra and visiting artists as well as showing its recent education projects, allowing Hallé to exhibit its talent.

Joseph Harrison, the Hallé’s Digital Manager, said “We are delighted to welcome Zen Internet as the Hallé’s new technology sponsor.

“This relationship will play a vital part in developing our digital offering, and will allow us to move forward in this area with confidence.”

Zen aims to support charities, schools and educational authorities in the northwest.

Each year the employees select a charity to fundraise for. Last year it collected £6,900 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

This year the employees have chosen to raise money for Boomerang, a multi-sensory play centre in Bury.