Sixty-six years after it disbanded, coronavirus has inspired the revival of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra to support talented musicians in the north of England.

Last year has been particularly tough for the live music industry. Members of the orchestra have taken jobs as bricklayers and baristas to get by.

After dusting down and tuning up their instruments, the ensemble is now ready for a series of concerts this summer.

The orchestra is set to perform its first public event at the Picnic Proms at Harewood House in September. Find tickets here.

The original group disbanded in 1955, leaving Yorkshire without a county orchestra for decades.

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Others have tried to bring back the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra name before. But they have only ever been able to play a couple of gigs before disbanding.

Ben Crick, the composer and conductor, believes this attempt will last. He told the Stray Ferret:

“We are not in it for anything else other than to make music. It’s a privilege to make music with your friends and colleagues again. It’s a fantastic thing to do.”

Jamie Hudson, co-founder of the orchestra, added:

“These are professional musicians who have done this all their lives. Suddenly they had to become baristas and dog walkers.

“So we brought back the orchestra to re-employ the best musicians who have had to jump into other types of work.”

The Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra performing at Harewood House. Photo: Gary Lawson Photography