Sale Chamber Orchestra was formed in April 1978 by the late John Walker-Jones, assistant principal viola in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.  It draws members from all over Greater Manchester and the North West and always welcomes new players. The orchestra performs three concerts a year and supports the development of young musicians by providing performance opportunities.  As well as working with young players from Trafford Music Service and Manchester Youth String Orchestra, students from the Royal Northern College of Music appear as guest soloists. The orchestra has performed in Shropshire and Keswick and provides groups to accompany choral societies in Sale, Manchester and Ulverston.  The orchestra is keen to perform new music and has commissioned a number of short pieces for string orchestra from composers such as Martin Ellerby, David Beck, David Dubery, Emily Wright and Edgar Divver.

Sale Chamber Orchestra is a ‘not for profit’ community music group which exists for the social and educational benefits it provides for local amateur musicians of all ages. Membership is by voluntary subscription with the usual concessions for those unable to pay the full amount.