Haffner Orchestra

The Haffner Orchestra is Lancaster's symphony orchestra for amateur players and local professionals. The orchestra was formed in 1976, starting as a chamber orchestra and expanding to a full symphony orchestra. It took its name from Mozart's Haffner Symphony, which in turn was named after one of Mozart's patrons, Sigmund Haffner der Elder. It gives three concerts a year in Lancaster, in November, February and June. These are held in the Great Hall, University of Lancaster, and the Ashton Hall (Lancaster’s Town Hall), and usually draw audiences of around 500. In addition, workshops, masterclasses, and open rehearsals and community events are part of the orchestra’s programme.

From 2004 to 2014, the musical director was Venezuelan conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa, who was replaced by Justin Doyle. The orchestra's leader is Julian Cann, and it has around 60 members. It is a registered charity, number 509571, and its President is the cellist Raphael Wallfisch.