Founded in 1966, the Ulster Orchestra has been at the forefront of musical life in Northern Ireland for over fifty years. In 2019/20 the Ulster Orchestra appointed Daniele Rustioni as its Chief Conductor and in 2022/23, marking the strength of the relationship, he was appointed the Orchestra’s Music Director. Rustioni held that position until May 2024, when he became Music Director Laureate, and Anna Handler will succeed him, taking up the position of Chief Conductor in September 2026.

The Orchestra performs around forty concerts a year in its home, the Ulster Hall, and the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. The Ulster Orchestra’s recordings are gaining global critical acclaim, recording regularly for labels such as Hyperion (with Howard Shelley), Naxos (with former Chief Conductor JoAnn Faletta), Chandos and Toccata Classics.

The Ulster Orchestra’s principal funders are the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the BBC and Belfast City Council.