The Stoller Hall

What The Stoller Hall does

The Stoller Hall is a 482-seat purpose-built concert venue in Manchester, UK, operated by Chetham's School of Music as a registered charity (No. 526702). It opened in 2017 with £8.7m in construction funding, of which £7.5m was donated by Sir Norman Stoller through the Stoller Charitable Trust. The venue's core technical asset is its acoustic engineering by Arup, featuring a 'box-in-box' construction isolating the inner acoustic space via elastomeric bearings, a variable acoustic system deployable for chamber music, jazz, conferences and orchestral rehearsal, and an extendable performance stage from 8.5m to 12.5m depth. Adjacent hireable spaces include the Carole Nash Hall (up to 140 guests), the 250m² Oglesby Atrium, the Ainscough Outreach Centre, and three Ensemble Rooms.

The venue operates a hybrid business model spanning ticket sales (with tiered booking fees of £0.50–£2.50 plus optional Secure My Booking ticket protection), bespoke venue hire for concerts, conferences, recordings, broadcasts and filming, in-house bar and catering in the Oglesby Atrium, a 'Name a Seat' donation programme (from £500 per seat with Gift Aid uplift), and ongoing charitable donations from a broad base of charitable trusts (Arts Council England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Leverhulme, Pilgrim Trust, Oglesby Charitable Trust and others). Distribution combines a Spektrix-powered online box office (24/7), telephone and in-person sales, and external ticketing partners including Ticketmaster and See Tickets. Marketing runs through the venue website, email newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, organic SEO and partnerships with Greater Manchester music education hubs.

Stoller Hall serves a diversified customer base: individual music enthusiasts across classical, jazz, folk, spoken word, comedy and family events; schools and youth groups through KS2 online workshops and discounted tickets; corporate and event organisers (BBC, Amazon Studios, Matchroom Boxing, Manchester City FC, Co-Op, Swinton Insurance); concert promoters engaging through a dedicated General Manager; emerging artists via the Haworth Emerging Artists Scheme; and families through age-specific programming. The venue has received recognition including a 2017 RIBA national award, 2025 LUXLife Hospitality Awards for Best Classical Music Venue - Manchester and Sustainability Excellence, and UK Government Disability Confident Level 1 status.

Name

The Stoller Hall

Legal name

Stoller Hall

Website

https://stollerhall.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Stoller Hall is a 482-seat purpose-built concert venue in Manchester operated by Chetham's School of Music (registered charity 526702), offering world-class acoustics by Arup, multi-space venue hire, ticketed concerts, and creative engagement programmes for individuals, schools, families, and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Music Venue and Concert Hall

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Live Music Clubs & Venues (MPAGAIAB), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL)

Keywords

• Live music venue
• Concert hall hire
• Music performance space
• Acoustic concert venue
• Music education programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from sales of tickets to concerts and events. Booking fees apply: 50p for tickets £0.01-£5, £1.50 for £5.01-£15, £2.50 for £15.01+. Optional ticket protection available via Secure My Booking.
2. Venue Hire: The venue offers multiple spaces for hire including The Stoller Hall (up to 482 people/400 theatre style), Carole Nash Hall (up to 170), Oglesby Atrium (250m2), Ainscough Outreach Centre, and Ensemble Rooms. Services include concerts, conferences, recordings, rehearsals, broadcasts and filming.
3. Bar and Catering: The Oglesby Atrium Bar generates revenue from drinks and snacks sales including beers, wines, spirits, teas, coffee and local products. Bar service available before performances and during intervals.
4. Seat Naming Programme: Revenue generation through the 'Name a Seat' programme where individuals can name a seat with a brass plaque for £500 or more. Wall plaques in the Oglesby Atrium also available.
5. Donations and Charitable Support: As a registered charity (No. 526702), the venue relies on donations and charitable support from individuals and organisations. Donations support emerging talent, family events, free concerts, and general programming.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Stoller Hall operates as a 482-seat concert venue and event space in Manchester, United Kingdom, hosting live music performances, conferences, recordings, broadcasts, and filming. The venue offers its main auditorium, Carole Nash Hall, Oglesby Atrium, Ainscough Outreach Centre, and three Ensemble Rooms for hire, supported by world-class acoustics developed by Arup using a 'box-in-box' construction. As a registered charity (No. 526702) operated by Chetham's School of Music, it also delivers creative engagement programmes for schools, families, and emerging artists.

Product overview

The Stoller Hall is a multi-space concert venue in Manchester offering its main 482-seat Stoller Hall auditorium with world-class acoustics, the smaller Carole Nash Hall (up to 140 guests), and the Oglesby Atrium (250m2) as hireable spaces. Additional facilities include the Ainscough Outreach Centre and three Ensemble Rooms. The venue provides comprehensive services including venue hire for concerts, conferences, recordings, broadcasts and filming, supported by Spektrix-powered box office services. Its Creative Engagement Programme extends reach through community, family, and school initiatives, while the Haworth Emerging Artists Scheme supports emerging musicians. The venue hosts the annual Chetham's International Piano Summer School, weekly free Friday Night Jazz, and Relaxed Concerts for accessibility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Stoller Hall (Auditorium) The main 482-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art acoustics developed by Arup. Designed as box-within-a-box construction for acoustic isolation, featuring an extendable stage (8.5m to 12.5m), full technical support for sound, lighting, projection, and accessible facilities on three levels. Suitable for concerts, conferences, recordings, and broadcasts.
• Carole Nash Hall An intimate, versatile space for up to 140 guests, suitable for smaller scale performances, presentations, workshops, or breakout sessions. Features flexible seating layout, two pianos, dimmable lighting, and sound equipment.
• Oglesby Atrium A 250m2 central space forming the hub of The Stoller Hall complex, providing natural light and serving as a breakout, dining, networking, or reception space. Features an in-house bar and connects to the main halls.
• Ainscough Outreach Centre A welcoming, functional space for workshops and music projects for up to 60 people. Split over two rooms with a small kitchen, accessible bathrooms, pianos, and musical equipment. Connected to Oglesby Atrium.
• Ensemble Rooms 1, 2 & 3 Three flexible ensemble rooms, each suitable for up to 60 people. Acoustically insulated to prevent sound crossover, containing pianos. Used for breakout areas, private receptions, musical rehearsals, workshops, or exams.
• Venue Hire Services Comprehensive venue hire package including concerts, recordings, rehearsals, broadcasts, filming, conferences, and events. Provides technical support, front of house, and box office services for hire clients.
• Broadcasts and Filming Services Professional broadcast and filming facilities with two unique spaces, outstanding acoustics, and full technical specifications. Includes online performance streaming, intimate preview gigs, and socially distanced filming capabilities.
• Recordings and Rehearsals Services Rehearsal and recording spaces with world-class natural acoustics. Stage can extend up to 12 metres deep. Access to Steinway model D and Bosendorfer grand pianos. Control room with tie lines to stage.
• Creative Engagement Programme Community outreach programme making music accessible through projects for schools, families, and communities. Includes workshops, relaxed concerts, family events, and school concerts featuring Chetham's students.
• Haworth Emerging Artists Scheme Artist development programme supporting early-career musicians in their first three years of professional careers. Provides £1,250 funding, marketing guidance, fundraising and management support, and performance opportunities in Carole Nash Hall or Baronial Hall.
• Chetham's International Piano Summer School Annual 10-day summer programme (12-21 August) bringing world-class and legendary musicians to Manchester. Includes lectures, open lessons, daily recitals, and gala performances.
• Relaxed Concerts Programme Accessibility-focused concerts including free Relaxed Lunchtime Concerts featuring Chetham's students. Designed for first-time concert-goers with welcoming, consistently lit spaces and easy access for entry, exit, and re-entry.
• Free Friday Night Jazz Weekly free jazz series (5pm-7pm on Fridays) featuring Chetham's School of Music jazz students and local jazz musicians in the atrium space.
• Box Office Ticketing Services Ticketing services via Spektrix platform supporting online 24/7 booking, telephone booking, and in-person sales. Includes seat selection, booking fees, group bookings, and ticket protection options.
• Family Programme Family-oriented musical activities including Stoller Story Sounds (ages 3-5), Mini Music Adventures (ages 5-7), and Family Concerts (ages 7+). Features interactive storytelling and music-making.
• Schools Programme Educational concerts and workshops for school groups (KS2 upwards), including KS2 online workshops, venue tours, and special projects with music hubs and academies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Georgia Mann, Radio 3 Essential Classics: 'Perhaps the most acoustically perfect hall in the country'
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Greater Manchester Arts Sustainability Team (G-MAST)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Stoller Hall joined G-MAST alongside other venues and cultural organisations to collectively drive change in sustainability practices across the arts sector.
• Julie's BicycleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry sustainability organisation supporting the live music sector's engagement with environmental issues through initiatives such as Live Green.
• ArupcoreTechnology or IntegrationAcoustic engineers who collaborated closely with The Stoller Hall and Chetham's to deliver world-class acoustics. Developed the box-in-box construction and variable acoustic system.
• stephenson STUDIOcoreTechnology or IntegrationAward-winning Manchester-based architecture practice (established 1979) responsible for the stunning visual design of The Stoller Hall. Received over 150 awards and was awarded OBE to Roger Stephenson for services to architecture.
• Sir Robert McAlpine LimitedcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMain contractor responsible for design and construction of The Stoller Hall. Completed fit-out works June 2015 and handed over keys September 2016 without a single snag on Practical Completion certificate. Notable other projects include Milton Court London, Kings Place London, Perth Concert Hall.
• Max FordhamcoreTechnology or IntegrationEngineering consultancy responsible for discreet service installation design, contributing to the stringent acoustic performance requirements.
• SpektrixcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the online box office and donations system. Certified B-corporation. Handles ticket booking, seat selection, and payment processing through integration with Opayo (Sage Pay).
• Greater Manchester & Blackburn with Darwen Music Education HubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver and support music projects in Greater Manchester and the UK, including school concerts and creative engagement activities.
• Sound! Music HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic education hub partner for delivering music projects and school engagement.
• Harvey NicholsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExternal catering partner located close to the venue, providing premium catering options for events.
• Chetham's School of MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent institution housing The Stoller Hall within its new school building. Students from the UK's largest specialist music school perform at the venue. Provides integration of music education with professional performance venue.
• Chetham's LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Chetham's group of cultural institutions. Creative Engagement team works closely with Chetham's Library alongside Stoller Hall and School of Music.
• Wood Street MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManchester-based charity partnered with for music projects and community engagement.
• Rochdale CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partner for delivering music projects.
• Oldham CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partner for delivering music projects.
• Music in Secondary School TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrust supporting music education partnerships.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Snape Maltings Concert Hall: Aldeburgh-based concert hall (capacity ~832) run as part of the Britten Pears Arts charity, host of the Aldeburgh Festival. Comparable charitable acoustic-led concert venue model with strong music-education integration, recording heritage, and a similar balance of festival programming and year-round hire.
• Wigmore Hall: London's leading chamber and recital venue (capacity ~540), renowned for world-class acoustics and a similar programming mix of classical, jazz, and song recitals. Comparable scale and acoustic-led positioning, with a more established brand and London catchments but similar operating model.
• Kings Place: London mixed-use venue combining concert halls (Hall One ~420 seats, Hall Two ~200), galleries, and event spaces. Comparable multi-space, hybrid arts-and-events model, and explicitly cited as a comparable project by Sir Robert McAlpine, who built both Kings Place and The Stoller Hall.
• Milton Court Concert Hall: Barbican-affiliated concert hall (~608 seats) at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, purpose-built with Arup acoustics. Closely comparable in scale, acoustic design pedigree, and integration with a specialist music institution, and built by the same contractor (Sir Robert McAlpine).
• Cadogan Hall: London concert venue (~950 seats) operated as a charity by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, hosting classical, jazz, and chamber concerts with strong corporate hire and recording use. Comparable charitable operating model, acoustic-led positioning, and reliance on a flagship resident orchestra.
• Bridgewater Hall: Manchester's flagship concert hall (2,400+ seats) and home of the Hallé Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic. Direct peer competing for the same classical music audiences, orchestra residencies, and corporate clients in the same Greater Manchester market, with a longer operating history and larger capacity.
• St John's Smith Square: London-based baroque concert hall (capacity ~300) operated as a charitable trust, focused on chamber music, early music, and contemporary classical programming. Comparable scale, charitable structure, acoustic-led positioning, and a similar mix of public concerts, recordings, and venue hire.
• Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM): Manchester-based music conservatoire with public concert halls hosting classical, jazz, and chamber performances. Direct peer for classical and contemporary music programming, student-led concerts, and acoustic venue hire in the same city, though it has a stronger educational focus.
• Perth Concert Hall: Perth, Scotland's principal concert hall (~1,200 seats), explicitly cited as a comparable project by Sir Robert McAlpine. Comparable purpose-built acoustic design, mixed classical and corporate hire programme, and similar scale of regional cultural anchor.

Broad incumbents

• Barbican Centre: Major London arts centre encompassing the Barbican Hall (~1,949 seats), theatre, and galleries under a single cultural-institution umbrella. Comparable hybrid concert-and-events programming with classical and contemporary music, though at significantly larger scale and broader remit than Stoller Hall.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/TheStollerHall
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheStollerHall
• Instagraminstagram.com/stollerhall
• Xx.com/stollerhall
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-stoller-hall

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Stoller Hall