The Leicester Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1922 by Sir Malcolm Sargent, then a local parish organist and chorus master. The orchestra continues the Sargent tradition of recruiting talented local players and bringing to Leicester soloists of international calibre and fame, to give the people of Leicester symphonic music of the highest possible standard. Each year it performs three concerts at its regular venue, the De Montfort Hall in Leicester, and is available for others. The LSO is a registered charity and relies solely on income from ticket sales, members' subscriptions, Friends of the LSO, Patrons, and sponsorship from Sheehan's Music Services and Timothy Batchelar Stringed Instruments, to ensure that the long and fine tradition of music making established by Sir Malcolm Sargent continues. It receives no public funding apart from occasional grants for special projects.