A DESERT Island Disc favourite, a world premier and more than 200 musicians and singers – all on one stage.

Huddersfield Town Hall will next Saturday brim with musical talent as the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra hold their 150 year anniversary concert.

The Philharmonic will be joined by the Huddersfield Choral Society for what is set to be a spectacular show and together they’ll perform one of Beethoven’s masterpieces – the Symphony No 9.

Conductor Nicholas Smith once again takes the baton for the performance which includes a programme of Handel: Coronation Anthem – Zadok the Priest, a world premier of Arthur Butterworth’s Symphony 7, composed for the Philharmonic’s 150th anniversary, and Beethoven’s classic.

It’s an exciting time for all, including its president Peter Lewis, who said: “Beethoven’s Symphony 9 established new possibilities for future symphonies.

“It was last performed at the Phil’s centenary, it’s a big celebration piece fitting for the occasion.”

And who better to perform it than the musical talent of the Philharmonic’s 80 piece orchestra, and up to 160 singers of the Choral?

“The first three movements are all orchestral, so that is exposure for the players in the orchestra,” Peter added. “By involving the Choral, who join us for the fourth movement, that builds up to the crescendo, you’re going to see 160 singers build up alongside the music – it’s going to be a fantastic experience.”

Soloists include soprano Jayne Carpenter, mezzo-soprano Flora McIntosh, tenor Nick Hardy and baritone Samuel Evans.

Organist will be Dr Geoff Lockwood.

But while the Philharmonic looks to its past in selecting music for the celebratory concert, a face from the past has contributed to its future.

Arthur Butterworth, the orchestra’s conductor for 30 years until 1993, has composed a Symphony 7 just for the Philharmonic.

Peter added: “I’ve heard it in rehearsals and Arthur has attended and heard it played. It’s a one movement symphony, typically classical, with a Scandinavian feel to it.”

It’s a year of milestones – the Phil marks 150 years, one of its former members, Wallace Hartley, died 100 years ago as RMS Titanic sank into the ocean, and the Choral marks 176 years.

The orchestra can trace its roots back to 1862, when a Unitarian Minister based in Fitzwilliam Street, the Rev J H Thomas, formed what became known as Mr Thomas’ Band.

It changed its name to the Fitzwilliam Street Philharmonic Orchestra, giving its first concert as Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra on February 7, 1885.

They’re one of the oldest non-professional orchestral society’s in the country, but they suspect closer original links with the town’s Choral.

“When the Choral was founded they didn’t play without music, they had musicians with them and we suspect that those original players with the Choral went on to form the Philharmonic separately.

“We continue to be an amateur orchestra, we have members who are surgeons, teachers and former professional musicians. They have day jobs but a love of music which makes them want to be part of an orchestra, that’s what the Phil has always been about,” Peter added.

Another tradition they’ve remained faithful to is having a president from outside of musicians.

“I believe the well-off textile mill owners used to buy and provide instruments for people to play, so that’s how having a president from outside began.

“I don’t play myself but I love music,” says Peter, now in his third season as President. “I’m from a business background and the opportunity to get involved with the orchestra in this way is something to be cherished.

l Tickets are £10 to £20, with discounts, from the Town Hall Box Office on 01484 223200.