The Challenge
Manchester’s Hallé needed a brand identity that could better reflect how the orchestra and its audiences have evolved, and support their ongoing work to welcome more people to its music. Working in collaboration with the Hallé and audience research specialists Indigo, we consulted staff, players and audiences to understand how the brand could better profile the orchestra’s work — in Manchester and beyond. Research made clear how deeply Hallé’s heritage is held by audiences and stakeholders, and our challenge was to create a brand that could carry it forward for the audiences of today and tomorrow.
The Solution
The Hallé’s story began as a beautiful gift when Sir Charles Hallé founded his groundbreaking orchestra in Manchester, bringing world-class music to people’s doorstep. 168 years later, our task wasn’t to reinvent the Hallé, but to help it continue to pass this incredible gift of music on. And it’s this idea of continuation that is central to the brand evolution.
At the heart of the new identity is a reimagined version of the Hallé’s iconic ‘H’ — a sweeping lettering first introduced in the 1960s, now reworked as a graphic device that interacts with type and images. Developed by lettering artist Dan Forster, the elegant motif also captures the essence of an infinity symbol — a nod to the constant innovation at the heart of the Hallé’s enduring passion for music.
Firmly rooted in its Mancunian home, the modern colour palette takes hues from the brick, tiles, stone and metals of the city’s eclectic cityscape — from The Bridgewater Hall to the Hallé’s venues in vibrant Ancoats, Hallé St Peter’s and Hallé at St Michael’s.Fresh photography was commissioned with photographer Drew Forsyth, showcasing the music and musicians in new and creative ways while remaining authentic and honest — located in spaces that connect to the Hallé.
Created in collaboration with:
Research – Indigo
Typography – Dan Forster
Photography – Drew Forsyth
Website – Cog