It was formed in 1956, and has provided orchestral experience for many players who have gone on to achieve professional success, such as Christian Blackshaw, Jennifer Pike, and Nicholas Kenyon. The orchestra maintains a diverse and challenging repertoire and has a substantial library of orchestral music.
Outstanding soloists, often senior or ex-members of the orchestra, are invited to play concertos with SYO. Recent soloists include Emma Oldfield, William Morley, Alice Purton, George Hoult, Micha Nemtsov and Yukihiro Nishimoto.
Recent works played include Copland Appalachian Spring, Lutoslawski Little Suite, Dvorak Symphony No.6, Prokofiev Sinfonietta, Reger Variations on a theme by Mozart and Stravinsky Firebird Suite.
The orchestra was awarded a grant from Stockport Town of Culture to write a suite of songs, which form the Stockport Songbook. The songs were written by Musical Director Tim Crooks and Charlie Perry. In Spring 2024 the orchestra performed the Stockport Songbook with local primary school choirs.
Former Musical Directors include Philip MacKenzie, Derek Margerson and Xenophon Kelsey, MBE.
