 The orchestra is in a phase of development, initially under the baton of John Pearson followed by the Polish born Ewa Strusinska (assistant conductor of the Halle orchestra, 2009-2011).In 2010, the music directorship passed on to Jonathan Lo, a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music.The regular programme of symphony concerts is supplemented by music weekends, foreign tours, collaboration with local choral societies and open air charity concerts.