The Bridgewater Hall What's On Brochure - Summer 2026

The Bridgewater Hall Summer 2026

Welcome

We are delighted to share our summer What’s On Brochure. The clocks have moved forward, and the long summer days are almost upon us again.

The final concert of the current International Series sees arguably Britain's greatest living pianist Sir Stephen Hough return to the Hall with an eclectic programme featuring Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and a selection of songs from Mary Poppins. Please take the time to read the excellent feature later on in the brochure. A fascinating read.

The Hallé and The BBC Philharmonic will also conclude their respective seasons with a fantastic line up of concerts, listed both in the brochure and our website.

Film with live orchestra remains ever popular, and we are delighted to bring two 80s classics to the stage: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark and Dirty Dancing

We also welcome much loved figures from the worlds of Rock & Pop – Midge Ure, Paul Carrack, Yes and Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals fame, amongst others.

We’re also delighted to welcome American singersongwriters Christopher Cross and Jason Isbell, both making their first appearances at The Bridgewater Hall. This season also brings something a little different from cover star Arooj Aftab, performing with the London Contemporary Orchestra, alongside a special show from dance sensation Nikita Kuzmin. Together, these artists highlight the breadth and excitement of our summer programme, as The Bridgewater Hall continues to present world-class entertainment in one of the finest concert spaces in the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Bridgewater Hall.

Andrew Bolt Chief Executive Officer

The Bridgewater Hall

MEM BER SHIP

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Booking Fees

Please note all prices featured in this brochure include a booking fee of either £3.25 or £4.75.

Sold Out Shows

To be added to the waiting list contact the Box Office at supervisors@bridgewater-hall.co.uk or call 0161 907 9000.

Cover Artist

Arooj Aftab © Yvan Nguyen

Premium Experience

Enjoy the very best seats in our Premium location, with access to The Lounge before the concert and during the interval*

With your Premium Experience, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of The Lounge:

• Access for 60 minutes before the concert and during the interval

• Two drinks from our house menu (wine, spirits, Prosecco, beer, soft drinks, tea or coffee)

• A selection of snacks

• Interval ice cream

• Welcome Host service

• Cloakroom facilities

Prefer to sit elsewhere?

You can still make your evening extra special by adding The Lounge to your booking at checkout, or choose one of our dining upgrades:

The Lounge from £41 per person

The Lounge + 2 course dinner: from £69.50 per person

The Lounge + 3 course dinner: from £74.50 per person

* See individual concert pages for Premium Experience pricing. Interval access does not apply where the concert does not include an interval.

The Charles Hallé Restaurant

The Charles Hallé Restaurant is open for evening shows and some afternoon shows, offering seasonal 2- and 3-course menus that change regularly. Booking is essential and can be done through the Box Office on 0161 907 9000 , or added to your tickets online at the time of booking (subject to availability).

Please note a £5 per person deposit is required for reservations; this is non-refundable in the event of cancellation with less than 3 days’ notice.

Interview with Sir Stephen Hough

Does returning to Manchester, where your musical journey began, feel different each time?

Our lives as touring artists are full of memories, both of hotels and concert halls, friends and colleagues. Because so much of my early life was spent in Manchester these are definitely amplified. It's very special always to play in the city where I learned so much about music and life.

Your upcoming concert at The Bridgewater Hall features a wide range of composers, including your own music. How do you decide which works belong together in a programme?

There's a lot of luck involved with creating a successful recital programme, but normally I will build around a particular work or concept. In this instance I wanted to explore the genre of small piano pieces. Indeed, the first half is largely made up of works with the title "Klavierstücke". These are all individual works, whereas in the second half I play Schumann's Carnaval where he ties a lot of fragmented pieces together into one celebratory work. And finally my own arrangements of three songs from Mary Poppins – in essence three encores before the encores.

Are there pieces you play now that you couldn’t have performed truthfully earlier in your life?

Every time I return to a work I will think about it differently. It's part of what repertoire is all about – familiarity changing over time. We bring to every performance something of ourselves, and as the years pass I hope always to bring more of my personal experiences (emotional and practical) to the stage. But I don't think it's a rule that an older and more experienced performer will necessarily bring more depth to an interpretation. It's mostly true, but sometimes there is an astonishing precocious understanding in the way a young person plays a piece ... or composes a piece. Think of Schubert!

You’re widely recognised as one of the greatest pianists of your generation, with decades of performing at the highest level. Has this taken an emotional toll, or affected the way you approach music?

I think the greatest performers have something vulnerable about them. There can be pianists who have great brilliance and even superb musical insight who do not move us as much as those where we feel there is an emotional price paid. We all live lives with an emotional toll of one sort or another; perhaps it is the job of the performer to bring that alive on stage so that we can all share something deeply, irreplaceably human together.

Where do you see live performance heading in today’s fast-paced world?

It is possible and practical for us to eat alone, but how much nicer it is to share a meal with friends. The same is true with music. A concert experience, when we are all in the same room at the same time, is unique and precious. Not to mention the sense of risk of musicians playing live on stage, or the sound of the vibrations in a wonderful, large space. The world is only fast-paced only if we allow it to be. One of the vocations of a musician is to remind everyone of that and to facilitate exploring the depth of human life and experience. Our fanciest computers and phones soon end up as landfill; Beethoven lives after 200 years.

Many of your album covers feature you in a hat, often turning your back to the camera. Could you tell us about the story or message behind this choice?

It was a chance photo, taken at the Chicago Art Institute. A photographer friend of mine snapped a shot of me standing in front of a Rothko painting and something just clicked. The image just worked. I suggested it to Hyperion and we've used that concept a number of times now.

May

Live at Lunchtime – Sofía

Ros

Friday 1 May 12.45pm

The Instituto Cervantes Manchester is pleased to showcase an impressive recital by accordionist Sofía Ros in which she will explore musical identity and the idea of home through music by Isaac Albéniz, Domenico Scarlatti, Enrique Granados and Vyacheslav Semionov.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

YES

The Fragile Tour 2026

Friday 1 May 8.00pm

After their hugely successful ‘Classic Tales Of Yes’ UK Tour in 2024, Progressive Rock legends, YES, return to the Bridgewater Hall. The tour will see YES performing their 1971 classic album, Fragile, in its entirety, including such timeless songs as "Heart of the Sunrise", "South Side of the Sky" and the much loved "Roundabout" as well as a selection of songs from right across their illustrious catalogue from their legendary 70`s releases right up to their current album, Mirror To the Sky.

Tickets £66.75 to £79.75

Roundabout Merchandise Package £154.75

Premium reserved seat in first 10 rows

Exclusive YES Foil Poster, designed by Roger Dean

Exclusive VIP Merchandise

Roland Gift Presents 40 Years of Songs by Fine Young Cannibals

Saturday 2 May 7.30pm

40 years since double Brit-Award winners, The Fine Young Cannibals (FYC), stormed into the UK charts with their debut single and album in 1985, lead singer, Roland Gift presents Fine Young Cannibals at 40.

Tickets £44.75 to £59.75

Paul Carrack with support from Amy Meehan

Sunday 3 May 7.30pm

Paul Carrack is an English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work with several popular bands and as a successful solo artist. He’s often called ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’, recognised for his soulful vocals, as well as his contributions to rock, pop, and soul music, with a career spanning over five decades, including notable stints in bands like Ace, Squeeze, and Mike + The Mechanics. He is also a respected songwriter, with his’s songs recorded by artists like Diana Ross, The Eagles, and Tom Jones.

Tickets £46.75 to £52.75

Manchester Midday Music: The Galilee Quartet

Wednesday 6 May 1.00pm

The Galilee Quartet is a Palestinian ensemble of four siblings, Omar, Mostafa, Tibah, and Gandhi, named after their home region of Galilee. Drawing on their dual musical influences, they perform a unique blend of Western classical and Arabic music.

Tickets £13.50

Concessions £12 | Students £8.50

The Hallé – Spring with Sir Mark Elder

Sir Mark Elder conductor

Hallé Choir Matthew Hamilton, choral director

Thursday 7 May 7.30pm

Glinka Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture

Stravinsky Song of the Nightingale

Rachmaninov Spring

Tchaikovsky Symphony No.2

Sir Mark Elder returns to Manchester and is reunited with the Hallé and Hallé Choir in this fantastic programme of Russian music. He opens the concert with Glinka’s dazzling, high-energy overture that captures the magical, adventurous spirit of his opera Ruslan and Ludmilla which is followed by Stravinsky’s Song of the Nightingale – an effective musical illustration of both real and mechanical birdsong.

Based on the poem by Nikolay Nekrasov, Rachmaninov’s Spring, which quite opposed to its joyful title follows a husband who, previously inflicted with murderous thoughts towards his unfaithful wife during the winter, is released from his frustration with the return of spring. After the interval, Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, often dubbed ‘Little Russian’ thanks to its effective use of Ukrainian folksongs, provides a joyful end to the evening.

Tickets £18 to £51

Concessions and discounts available Concert sponsored by Siemens

Manchester Midday Music: Giorgi Gigashvili piano

Tuesday 12 May 1.00pm

Giorgi Gigashvili is a Georgian pianist and winner of The Voice Georgia at age 13. A prize winner at the Rubinstein, Géza Anda, and Vigo competitions, he studied in Tbilisi, Geneva, and Berlin. Giorgi combines classical performance with folk, electronic, and experimental music. He is passionate about Georgian folksongs, which he enjoys arranging and singing. His acclaimed debut album Meeting my Shadow was released on Alpha Classics. A BBC New Generation Artist and ECHO Rising Star, he is a 2025 Steinway Artist.

Tickets £13.50

Concessions £12 | Students £8.50

2024 Terence Judd-Hallé Award winner

Supported by The Terence Judd Trust

Sir Stephen Hough, piano

From Schubert to Mary Poppins

Tuesday 12 May 2026 7.30pm

Schubert Klavierstück D946, No.2

Brahms Klavierstück Op.118, No.6

Schoenberg 6 Kleine Klavierstücke

Stockhausen Klavierstück III

Beethoven Bagatelle Op.119, No.10

Beethoven Piano Sonata No.21, ‘Waldstein’ R Schumann Carnaval

Sherman and Sherman, arr. Hough Mary Poppins Suite

Sir Stephen Hough, arguably Britain’s finest living pianist, returns to close the International Concert Series with a dazzling programme.

Only Stephen Hough could shape a concert like this. We begin with Klavierstücke – literally, ‘Piano Pieces’ – from two romantic giants, Schubert and Brahms, and two towering 20th-century composers, Schoenberg and Stockhausen. From Beethoven’s majestic ‘Waldstein’ Sonata, Robert Schumann’s vivid suite transports us to the heart of carnival. And we end – where else? – on the streets of Edwardian London, with Hough’s own bravura arrangements of songs from Mary Poppins. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Tickets £20 to £43

Concessions and discounts available

Student Tickets £8 (subject to availability)

The Hallé –

Dvořák’s Symphony No.8

Ariane Matiakh conductor

Alexander Gadjiev piano

Thursday 14 May 7.30pm

Sunday 17 May 4.00pm

Unsuk Chin Operascope (UK premiere)

Chopin Piano Concerto No.2

Dvořák Symphony No.8

Alexander Gadjiev, winner of the 2022 Terence JuddHallé Award, joins forces with Grammy-nominated Ariane Matiakh for a performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2, one of the finest virtuosic showpieces for piano, requiring both technical ability and deep musicality from its soloist. As one of the prize winners in the 2021 Chopin Competition, Alexander Gadjiev has both in spades. Before we dive into Dvořák’s lively and lyrical Eighth Symphony, audiences will also be the first in the UK to hear Hallé Featured Composer, Unsuk Chin’s Operascope, a musical walk through the history of opera with several nods to operatic giants like Verdi and Puccini.

Tickets £18 to £51

Concessions and discounts available Concert sponsored by Manchester Airports Group

Live at Lunchtime – Coruja Jones

Friday 15 May 12.45pm

Beautiful songs combined with intricate, delicate guitar work into cavernous reverbs, which take aim at your heart. Join this Manchester-based songsmith for a special preview of songs from his upcoming album. This trio performance features Jake Stentiford on acoustic guitars, and Alex Pearson on bass and synth.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

Celebrating Meat Loaf

Featuring The Neverland Express and Sam Pope

Friday 15 May 7.30pm

The show is the only authentic reimagining of the legendary Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman, performed by world-class alumni of The Neverland Express who brought his musical visions to life both in the studio and live on stages across the world.

Tickets £37.75 to £49.75

VIP Package £124.75

A seat in first 4 rows | Exclusive sound check experience with Celebrating Meat Loaf | Meet the band and take group photo | Early access to exclusive tour merchandise and 10% discount

Christopher Cross

BBC Philharmonic – Northern Lights

Strange birds, icy beauty, exhilarating power

John Storgårds conductor

Simone Lamsma violin

Saturday 16 May 7.30pm

Rautavaara Cantus Arcticus

Sibelius Violin Concerto

Nielsen Symphony No. 5

In this striking exploration of Nordic soundscapes, Chief Conductor John Storgårds will flex every Finnish musical muscle as he leads the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra from the icy beauty of the Arctic to a Danish climax that revels in the raw power of human resilience.

Rautavaara’s Cantus Arcticus blends cinematic orchestral textures with otherworldly field-recordings of birdsong from the far north. The result is an evocative, dreamlike meditation on nature, where sweeping strings merge with the calls of Arctic birds in an unforgettable soundscape.

Sibelius’s Violin Concerto offers a different kind of wildness – virtuosic, passionate, and deeply expressive. Renowned violinist Simone Lamsma, celebrated for her thrilling performances and sparkling technique, returns to the Orchestra.

Nielsen’s Symphony No. 5 is a gripping musical battle between chaos and order. Pulsing rhythms, fierce percussion, and surging orchestral lines create an intense drama, with a defiant energy that combines beauty, struggle, and exhilarating power.

Tickets £12 to £40 Concessions and discounts available

The Hallé –

Family Concert: Film Favourites

Euan Shields conductor

Tom Redmond presenter

Sunday 17 May 11.30am

The programme includes:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Hedwig’s Theme John Williams

Beauty and the Beast: Be Our Guest Alan Menken

The Incredibles Michael Giacchino

How to Train Your Dragon John Powell

Star Wars: Main Title John Williams

The Avengers: Main Theme Alan Silvestri

The Lion King Elton John

Lights, camera, ACTION! Join the Hallé and entertaining presenter Tom Redmond for the magic of the movies, with a hand-picked selection of music from all your favourite family films. Performed live by your orchestra, this will be fun for all the family. Fancy dress is very welcome – why not come as your favourite film character? Family concerts are accessible for all – most suitable for ages 5-13.

Children (17 & under) £13.50

Adults £23.50

Family (4 tickets, at least one child) £50.25 Concert sponsored by PZ Cussons

Christopher Cross

Monday 18 May 7.00pm

Christopher Cross burst onto the music scene with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards, including — for the first time in Grammy history — the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist.

Tickets £44.75 to £69.75

Midge Ure - A Man of Two Worlds

Tuesday 19 May 7.00pm

Midge Ure returns to The Bridgewater Hall with A Man Of Two Worlds — a bold new tour blending his classic hits with cinematic instrumentals in a seamless, emotionally resonant journey. Known for shaping the sound of the ’80s with Ultravox and co-creating Do They Know It’s Christmas?, Ure now offers something unique: a curated live experience that reimagines his career as one flowing narrative. Celebrating over 40 years of innovation, from glam and punk to synthpop and orchestral textures, this is Midge as you’ve never seen him — up close, immersive, and more creatively ambitious than ever.

Tickets £45.75 to £53.25

The Hallé – Rush Hour: West Side Story Symphonic Dances

Emilia Hoving conductor

Anna Lapwood organ

Thursday 21 May 6.00pm

Poulenc Organ Concerto

Kristina Arakelyan Toccata for Organ and Orchestra

Bernstein West Side Story: Symphonic Dances

Kristina Arakelyan, dubbed internationally as ‘one to watch’ (Scala Radio), is one of today’s most exciting composers, celebrated by audiences and critics alike for her music’s serene and compelling honesty. What a treat we have in store to hear Anna Lapwood perform her Toccata for Organ and Orchestra as her closing performance as Hallé Featured Artist. In this, her Hallé debut, Emilia Hoving guides us through some of the best-loved tunes and interludes from Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: from the poignant hopefulness of ‘Somewhere’, through the percussive fire of ‘Mambo’, to the tragic finale, rounding off what is sure to be an electrifying Rush Hour concert.

Tickets £18.50 to £23.50 Concessions and discounts available Concert sponsored by CMS Post-concert foyer music

Live at Lunchtime – Chetham's School of Music

Friday 22 May 12.45pm

A programme of public concerts and collaborations, across the region and beyond, means audiences experience the incredible musical skill and energy of Chetham’s students in performance.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

The

Hallé

– It’s

A Livin’ Thing: The Music of Jeff Lynne’s ELO

Richard Balcombe conductor

Graham Bickley and Patrick Smythe vocalists

Saturday 23 May 7.30pm

Produced in association with Avanti Arts and GRB Productions

The programme includes: Standing in the Rain, Evil Woman, All Over the World, Diary of Horace Wimp, Last Train to London, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Showdown, Telephone Line, Rockaria, Living Thing, Shine a Little Love, Turn to Stone, When I Was a Boy, Wild West Hero, Xanadu, Mr Blue Sky and more.

Experience the legendary Electric Light Orchestra’s unique fusion of rock, pop and classical music as you’ve never heard it before, in this live orchestral celebration of Jeff Lynne’s visionary music.

Formed in 1970 in Birmingham UK, the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is a band that fuses pop music with classical overtones. Jeff Lynne, its creator and continuing driving force added violins, cellos, string basses, horns and woodwind to the standard rock line-up to “pick up where the Beatles left off…”

In the 13 years following their arrival on the music scene, they sold over 50 millions records worldwide, accumulated 27 Top 40 songs in the UK singles chart, and 15 in the US charts. In the summer of 2016, they played the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, and in December, it was announced they had been elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

Richard Balcombe and Graham Bickley have now produced a concert celebrating the unique aura of ELO, expanding the classic sound with a treatment that utilises a full symphony orchestra and band, with six singers.

Think sweeping strings, powerful brass, electrifying guitar riffs and a glorious wall of vocal sound – all celebrating some of ELO’s timeless hits.

Tickets £18.50 to £51

Concessions and discounts available

Concert sponsored by Siemens

Dirty Dancing in Concert

Sunday 24 May 6.00pm

Dirty Dancing in Concert is a cinematic live-to-film concert event that brings the iconic love story back to the big screen, with a twist.

Watch the digitally remastered film in full on a massive cinema screen, while a live band and singers perform every unforgettable song from the original soundtrack, syncing with each moment of the movie.

Tickets £38.25 to £74.25

Harmony’s Music Club – Carnival of the Animals

Monday 25 May 11.00am & 2.00pm

Harmony’s Music Club brings its acclaimed piano trio version of Carnival of the Animals to The Bridgewater Hall, following sell-out performances across Surrey and at Hexham Abbey Festival of Music and Art. Saint-Saëns’ iconic score is reimagined with warmth, creativity, and humour, performed by narrator, violin, cello, and piano in an arrangement that vividly brings each animal to life.

Tickets £10

Under 19s £8

Go Your Own Way

A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Monday 25 May 7.30pm

Go Your Own Way is the spellbinding show featuring music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac.

Their rock ‘n’ roll legacy is beautifully performed by a highly talented and acclaimed ensemble of musicians who will take audiences on a powerful journey through their incredible song book.

Tickets £34.25 to £41.75

The Hallé’s season finale –Kahchun Wong conducts Mahler’s Sixth

Kahchun Wong conductor

Thursday 28 May 7.30pm

Mahler Symphony No.6

Humanity’s frailty and fortitude combine in Mahler’s existential Sixth Symphony, as Kahchun Wong conducts. Composed during some of the happiest times of Mahler’s life – his wife, Alma, the subject of the intensely emotive Adagietto of his Fifth Symphony, had just given birth to their second child – it seems an odd juxtaposition, then, that his Sixth Symphony is often subtitled ‘The Tragic’. While certainly filled with brooding, nihilistic undertones, the symphony also possesses moving tributes to the composer’s greatest loves. The soaring melodies of the first movement represent Alma, and the playful, scurrying Scherzo of the third movement represents his two toddler daughters. Kahchun Wong’s affinity with Mahler’s work is world-renowned and this promises to be a very special season finale.

Tickets £18 to £51 Concessions and discounts available Concert sponsored by OCU Group

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

The Future is Vintage World Tour

Saturday 30 May 7.30pm

The acclaimed troupe of singers, dancers and instrumentalists will be performing a brand new show in the group’s signature time-twisting style — putting a retro spin on everything from ’70s rock classics and ’80s Britpop hits, to current chart toppers, movie and video game soundtracks. With a heavy dose of danceable numbers alongside jaw-dropping showstoppers, the show works equally well as the perfect date night or family outing.

Tickets £38.25 to £72.25

Indiana Jones and the Raiders Of The Lost Ark Live In Concert

Sunday 31 May 5.30pm

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert, featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Awardwinning score, will be performed live to the film.

Tickets £37.25 to £81.25

June

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Thursday 4 June 7.30pm

“What a great show” – Art Garfunkel

Few shows have experienced the phenomenal global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, with multiple sold-out shows in over 50 countries worldwide and over 20 headline performances in London’s West End, including multiple appearances at the world-famous London Palladium.

Tickets £41.50 to £49.50

Live at Lunchtime – Zoë Gilby

Friday 5 June 12.45pm

Winner of Parliamentary Jazz Awards Jazz Vocalist of the Year 2019, Zoë Gilby is a vocalist and songwriter, making a stunning impression on the music scene today. Her compelling original compositions are written with double bassist husband Andy Champion, a powerful collection of songs with a strong narrative. Supported by guitarist Mark Williams they deliver a commanding mix of musical sophistication and dramatic edge.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

Sing with the Hallé: Mendelssohn’s Elijah

Matthew Hamilton conductor

A star-studded cast of soloists

Saturday 6 June

Participants: 10.30am

Audience: 6.30pm

Mendelssohn Elijah

Join us for a fun and inspiring day of singing alongside one of the world’s most renowned musical organisations. The Hallé’s fabulous Choral Director, Matthew Hamilton leads an inclusive and enjoyable day exploring Mendelssohn’s much-loved oratorio, Elijah. Everyone is welcome and you don’t need any previous experience to participate. If you love singing and would like the opportunity to develop your skills and musicianship in a relaxed environment, then we’d love you to join us. Or simply come along at the end of the day to enjoy the performance.

‘A fabulous experience to sing with you – a memory forever!’ – Previous participant

‘Complete novice. Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Matthew is an amazing conductor and choirmaster. The soloists were superb and the orchestra brilliant’ – Previous participant

Participant Full price £36

Concessions £21.50

Audience Full price £17.50

Concessions

£9

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Monday 8 June 7.00pm

Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter

Jason Isbell is one of the most respected and celebrated artists of his generation. The North Alabama native possesses an incredible penchant for identifying and articulating some of the deepest, yet simplest, human emotions, and turning them into beautiful poetry through song. Isbell sings of the everyday human condition with thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty.

Tickets £67.25 to £79.75

Sounds of the 60's Live Hosted by Tony Blackburn OBE

Tuesday 9 June 7.30pm

An evening of 60s classics performed by the Sounds Of The 60’s All Star Band & Singers, hosted by Radio 2’s legendary DJ, Tony Blackburn OBE.

Every week, listeners across the UK tune into BBC Radio 2 to hear the legendary Tony Blackburn play the greatest songs of the 60’s. Now, the legendary DJ will be taking his Sounds of the 60’s show on the road, for a UK tour celebrating the music of this much-loved decade.

Tickets £33.25 to £48.25

Live at Lunchtime – Milap - Kaviraj

Singh & Kousic Sen

Friday 12 June 12.45pm

Take a perfect break from your busy day and relax to the soothing sounds of the one hundred stringed Indian Santoor along with the tabla, performed by Kaviraj Singh and Kousic Sen.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

Rob Lamberti presents Perfectly George

Friday 12 June 7.30pm

Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, this show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe and lifted them to their feet, in a dynamic show that tactfully and appropriately celebrates the career of one of the most gifted performers of a generation. From Wham! all the way through to the diverse eras of George’s hugely successful solo career, including timeless hits like "Careless Whisper", "Faith", "I’m Your Man", "Club Tropicana", and so many more, the show tells the story of George Michael in the vast repertoire of songs that made him an icon to so many.

BBC Philharmonic - Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, ‘Resurrection’

Music from some other world…

John Storgårds conductor

Siobhan Stagg soprano

Stefanie Irányi mezzo soprano

CBSO Chorus

Saturday 13 June 7.30pm

Mahler Symphony No. 2, ‘Resurrection’

‘The whole thing sounds as though it came to us from some other world. I think there is no one who can resist it. One is battered to the ground and then raised on angel’s wings to the highest heights.’ – Gustav Mahler

Mahler’s Resurrection is a colossal work of drama, beauty, and power. From its gripping opening funeral march to its earth-shaking finale, this is music on the grandest possible scale that demands to be experienced live.

This is a work that redefined the possible, pushing every musical and emotional boundary. The massed forces of a vast orchestra, offstage brass, vocal soloists, and a powerful chorus combine to create a truly overwhelming experience.

130 years after its first performance, Mahler’s Resurrection remains one of the most profound and lifeaffirming works of art ever created.

Tickets £12 to £40

Concessions and discounts available

Burn the Floor presents Nikita Kuzmin:

Supernova

Sunday 14 June 7.30pm

Strictly Come Dancing finalist and fan favourite Nikita Kuzmin takes centre stage in the explosive new dance spectacular 'Supernova'.

Created in collaboration with world-renowned choreographer and BAFTA award recipient Jason Gilkison and presented by international dance sensation Burn the Floor. Supernova is a show fuelled by the firepower of world class performers and creatives from around the world.

Tickets £45.70 to £65.70 £135.75 VIP Meet & Greet Details: VIP tickets include a premium seat, a pre-show meet and greet with Nikita to get autographs and a picture with the star, and some exclusive show merchandise to take home.

Live at Lunchtime – Kairos Duo

Friday 19 June 12.45pm

Kairos Duo is a dynamic small ensemble for percussion and saxophone showcasing their vivacious performance style and artistry through modern classical music.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

The Musical Box

And Then There Was… Phil

Friday 19 June 7.30pm

And Then There Was…Phil celebrates the most impactful artist and performer of our times, showcasing Genesis’ incredible prog rock repertoire–including some of the band’s early hits such as "Follow You, Follow Me" and classic tracks from A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, And Then There Were Three and Duke albums.

Tickets £34.75 to £64.75

Arooj Aftab with London Contemporary Orchestra

conducted by Robert Ames

Saturday 20 June 7.00pm

Arooj Aftab, the Grammy-winning singer and composer known for her spellbinding blend of jazz, folk, pop, minimalism and South Asian semi-classical traditions, embarks on a rare and unmissable tour with the London Contemporary Orchestra led by co-artistic director and principal conductor, Robert Ames.

Reimagining music from across her acclaimed catalogue, this collaboration brings sweeping new orchestral textures to her intimate, emotionally rich sound world. LCO’s bold, cinematic approach perfectly complements Aftab’s haunting voice and boundary-defying compositions, promising an evening of deep atmosphere and transcendent beauty. Produced by Music Beyond Mainstream, this special series of performances offers audiences a unique chance to experience one of today’s most distinctive artists on a truly expansive scale.

Tickets £34.50 to £44.50

K-Pop All Stars Tribute

Thursday 25 June 7.00pm

K-Pop All Stars transforms the stage into a vibrant explosion of sound and colour, showcasing everything fans love about the global phenomenon. Powered by a phenomenal cast with brand-new choreography created exclusively for the show, every performance hits with incredible precision and energy.

Tickets £32.75 to £38.75

RNCM – Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6

Clemens Schuldt conductor

Jasper Lecon* conductor

Liana Storey piano

RNCM Symphony Orchestra

Friday 26 June 7.30pm

Mel Bonis Ophélie Op.165

Emily Dunbar New work*

Sergei Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op 43

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6 in B minor Op 74 ‘Pathétique’

At the heart of the programme is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s gripping 'Pathétique' Symphony, written shortly before his death. It is paired with Mel Bonis’ evocative tone poem Ophélie, inspired by the tragic fate of Ophelia in Hamlet

The concert also features the premiere of a new work by composition student Emily Dunbar, and RNCM Concerto Competition winner Liana Storey performs Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, first heard in England at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall in 1935.

Tickets £21.25

The Hallé – ABBA Symphonica

Stephen Bell conductor

Capital Voices (Annie Skates, Emma Kershaw, David Combes and Oliver Griffiths)

Saturday 27 June 7.30pm

ABBA Overture

Waterloo Honey, Honey

SOS

Money, Money, Money

Knowing Me, Knowing You

The Name of the Game

Chiquitita

Take a Chance on Me

Does Your Mother Know Voulez-Vous

Super Trouper

The Winner Takes It All I Have a Dream

Fernando

Lay All Your Love On Me

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)

Mamma Mia

Dancing Queen

Timeless pop meets modern orchestra in this ultimate symphonic celebration of ABBA’s greatest hits. Led by the inimitable conductor Stephen Bell, the Hallé Orchestra will be joined by vocal powerhouses Annie Skates, Emma Kershaw, David Combes and Oliver Griffiths.

From early chart-toppers to sweeping ballads and disco anthems that defined a generation, these orchestral arrangements trace ABBA’s remarkable musical journey, shining a light on these familiar favourites in a night packed with nostalgia, sparkle and feel-good anthems.

Tickets £18.50 to £51

Concessions and discounts available

Lancashire Music Hub presents: “Where will Music Take You?”

Monday 29 June 7.00pm

Featuring talented young musicians from the Lancashire Music Hub, this inspiring concert showcases the creativity, energy, and excellence of our county’s next generation of performers. From powerful choral and orchestral moments to vibrant contemporary pieces, audiences will be taken on a rich and uplifting journey celebrating musical talent in all its forms.

Whether you’re a proud parent, supporter of the arts, or simply love live music, this is an evening not to be missed.

Adult tickets £16.75

Child tickets £9.25

Classic Albums Live performs Led Zeppelin II

Tuesday 30 June 7.30pm

Classic Albums Live is the modern day orchestra, concentrating solely on the music. They have built a sterling reputation across North America, performing over two hundred shows per year.

After a UK debut in 2025, the concert series makes its return this summer to perform the iconic ‘Led Zeppelin II’ album.

… PLUS a bonus set of ‘Zeppelin’ hits – note for note / cut for cut.

Tickets £40.75 to £52.75

John Hiatt

July

Jonathan Scott: Music for an Occasion

Spring Concert Series

Wednesday 1 July 1.10pm

The pipe organ has the sound and music to make any occasion unforgettable. From the arrival of royalty, to the happiest day of your life. From Walton’s Crown Imperial and Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March No.1 to Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Associate Artist Jonathan Scott and the 5,500 pipes of the The Bridgewater Hall concert organ are guaranteed to make any event sound spectacular!

Tickets £15.75

Concessions £14.25 | Students £11.75

John Hiatt

Thursday 2 July 7.00pm

John Hiatt is one of America’s most enduring and respected singer-songwriters — a musician whose gritty voice and lyrical insight have shaped the sound of modern Americana. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Hiatt has released over twenty studio albums, been covered by legends from Bonnie Raitt to Bob Dylan, and earned accolades that underscore both his longevity and artistic influence.

Tickets £39.75 to £79.75

John Hiatt Farewell Tour – Best Seat and Souvenir

Package £139.75

Watch John perform his last show in this city from one of the best seats in the house. Receive a souvenir Farewell tour package which includes: An extremely limited commemorative A3 Print, signed by John Hiatt and numbered A commemorative tour pass

Live at Lunchtime – Denise

Morgan

Friday 3 July 12.45pm

The Celtic Soul Songstress has been writing and performing for over two decades. Known for appearances on The Voice UK and The Voice of Ireland, Denise has also worked with renowned music-makers Smith&Mighty, and producer Rob Smith, co-writing tracks and also releasing a cover of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

The Hallé – 100 Years of Movie

Songs

Stephen Bell conductor

Juliette Crosbie vocalist

Saturday 4 July 7.30pm

Top Hat Berlin arr. G Langford

Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz Arlen / Harburg

It Might as Well Be Spring from State Fair

Rodgers / Hammerstein

Sleeping Beauty Waltz Tchaikovsky

The Man That Got Away from A Star is Born Arlen / Gershwin

People and Don’t Rain on my Parade from Funny Girl Styne / Merrill

Nobody Does It Better from The Spy Who

Loved Me Hamlisch / Carole Bayer Sager

Gonna Fly Now, the theme from Rocky Bill

Conti

Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) from Arthur Bacharach

Take My Breath Away from Top Gun

Moroder / Whitlock

Titanic Suite from Titanic Horner

I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard

Dolly Parton

Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast Alan Menken

I See You, the theme from Avatar Horner / Simon Franglen

On My Own from Les Misérables ClaudeMichel Schönberg / Alain Boublil / Kretzmer

I’ll Never Love Again from A Star Is Born Lady Gaga / Mark Ronson

Frozen Medley from Frozen Kristen AndersonLopez / Robert Lopez

Pure Imagination from Wonka Bricusse / Newley

Defying Gravity from Wicked Stephen Schwarz

A century of unforgettable film music is brought to life by conductor Stephen Bell as he guides the players of the Hallé Orchestra and star vocalist Juliette Crosbie on a glittering journey through the songs that defined the silver screen.

From the golden age of Hollywood to 21st century blockbusters, each era has its own style and touch of cinematic magic, with lush orchestral arrangements, vocal classics and iconic themes.

Join us for this feel-good celebration of the music and songs that made movie history and shaped generations of cinema lovers, all brought together for one brilliant night.

Tickets £18.50 to £51

Concessions and discounts available

An Evening With David Sedaris

Monday 6 July 7.30pm

One of America’s most celebrated satirists and humour writers, in many ways David Sedaris’ life has been an open book. Through his essays, diaries and hugely popular BBC Radio series, he has made us consider the absurdities of human nature and modern life: family, travel, relationships, aging, the pandemic, political upheavals and of course roadside trash! David Sedaris returns to The Bridgewater Hall to read new and unpublished stories, take questions and as is now an integral part of the evening, sign books and meet his audience.

Tickets £44.75 to £54.75

Chris Isaak

Tuesday 7 July 7.30pm

Over the course of his forty-year career, Multi-platinum selling and GRAMMY-nominated singer & actor Chris Isaak has performed to sold-out crowds across the globe with members of his longtime band Silvertone.

His music and film credits include thirteen critically acclaimed studio albums, twelve chart-topping singles along with several motion pictures, such as The Silence of the Lambs and That Thing You Do!. 2024 marked the 35th Anniversary of Isaak’s beloved Heart-Shaped World album, which includes his breakthrough classic “Wicked Game”. Isaak was also honored in 2022 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance by the Americana Honors.

Tickets £49.75 to £84.75

Live at Lunchtime – Black Creative Trailblazers

Friday 10 July 12.45pm

Join Black Creative Trailblazers at Live at Lunchtime for a vibrant musical showcase celebrating Mancunian talent. Featuring soprano Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling, soulful R&B artist Rumbi Tauro, and Manchester soul duo The Divines featuring Kemani Anderson, expect rich harmonies, powerful vocals, and timeless sounds rooted in connection, community and shared joy.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

The Hallé – Choral Classics

Matthew Hamilton conductor

The Hallé Orchestra

Hallé Choir

Hallé Children’s Choir

Saturday 11 July 7.30pm

Programme to include:

Zadok the Priest Handel

Cantique de Jean Racine Fauré

Fantasia on Greensleeves Vaughan Williams

Aida: Gloria all’Egitto, ad Iside & Triumphal

March and Ballet Music Verdi

Seaside Postcards Jonathan Dove

The Blue Bird Stanford

Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus Handel

Carmina Burana: O Fortuna Orff

Requiem: Lacrimosa Mozart

Cavalleria rusticana: Intermezzo Mascagni

Hansel and Gretel: Brother dear, come dance with me Humperdinck

Peer Gynt: Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King Grieg

O Radiant Dawn James MacMillan

I’ll Stand Raymond Wise

I was glad Parry

Feel the power of music and song in this celebration of incredible choral music.

Inspirational choral leader, Matthew Hamilton brings together the combined forces of the Hallé Orchestra, Hallé Choir and Hallé Children’s Choir for a concert that showcases iconic masterpieces with radiant contemporary works and classic choral favourites.

Come along for an evening of music that is uplifting, intimate, dramatic and beautifully crafted, all performed by the fantastic musicians and singers of the Hallé family.

Tickets £18.50 to £51

Concessions and discounts available

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and

the Bootleg Beatles

For You Blue: Celebrating the Best of The Beatles 1967-1970

Saturday 25 July 7.30pm

The Bootleg Beatles join forces with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for another unforgettable symphonic celebration of The Beatles’ late-era classics.

Encompassing the period from Sgt Pepper through to Let It Be, this is an extraordinary one-off chance to witness ‘the concert that never was’, featuring all the classic late-period Beatles hits including "All You Need is Love", "Strawberry Fields" and "Penny Lane", complete with fullthrottle symphonic sound. A must-see multi-media show for Beatles fans of all ages.

Tickets £39.75 to £59.75

Princess Proms

Sunday 26 July 2.30pm

Prepare for a show stopping performance as we pay tribute to the iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including; Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & The Beast, Anastasia, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and more! As well as a few from our favourite popstars like Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Rachel Platte.

A – Adult £48.75 | Child £44.75

B – Adult £38.75 | Child £34.75

C – Adult £31.25 | Child £27.75

D – Adult £23.75 | Child £20.25

Price bands A and C also include one piece of merchandise

August

Live at Lunchtime – Neeve Zahra

Friday 28 August 12.45pm

Singer/songwriter, Neeve Zahra is captivating audiences with her unique voice and beautiful lyrics which are far beyond her years.  Championed by the likes of Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2  Neeve will embark on her first headline tour in March 2026 to promote her new EP, ‘Breakup Breakdown’.

This is a free, unticketed event in the Stalls Foyer

Coming Soon to The Bridgewater Hall

Maze

Saturday 5 September

Marillion

Thursday 17 September

Karl Jenkins conducts The Armed Man

Saturday 26 September

Katherine Jenkins

Friday 2 October

African Soul Rebels featuring Les Amazones

d’Afrique + Gasper Nali

Tuesday 13 October

The Amy Winehouse Band

Friday 30 October

Bridging music and people since 1996

September 2026 marks a major milestone in Manchester’s cultural story, as The Bridgewater Hall celebrates its 30th birthday - three decades of unforgettable performances, inspiring artists, and extraordinary music-making in the heart of the city. Since opening its doors in September 1996, the Hall has become a symbol of the city’s creative spirit, innovation, and resilience, hosting everything from world-renowned orchestras to groundbreaking contemporary artists.

Stay

tuned for more information on our 30th anniversary events.

Support The Bridgewater Hall

Professional Packages available

Since opening in 1996, The Bridgewater Hall has become a key part of Manchester’s music scene, offering a diverse programme from rock and pop to jazz, classical, and spoken word. With over 300 performances annually and a purpose-built auditorium known for its exceptional acoustics, the Hall is dedicated to delivering artistic excellence.

Our new membership packages provide a unique opportunity to support the venue, enjoy a range of concerts, entertain clients, and access branding and marketing benefits. For more details, contact Philip Murphy, Sponsorship, Corporate & Premium Experience Sales Manager, at philip.murphy@bridgewater-hall.co.uk, call 0161 950 0000, or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/membership

Booking Information

Booking Online

Visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk where you have the option to select your own seat or choose the best available. You can also add dining and Lounge access to your order where available.

Booking By Phone

0161 907 9000

Booking In Person

Box Office, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS

Booking By Post

To the Box Office at the address above.

Box Office Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 10.00am—5.00pm Saturday & Sunday (concert nights only) 2.00—5.00pm Counter service until 8.00pm on concert nights. Please call the Box Office or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk to check for changes in opening times.

Mobile Tickets

You can also view your tickets in your online account and add them to your Apple or Google Wallet from two months before the concert date.

Forms of Payment Accepted

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, Mastercard, Visa or debit card. If paying by cheque, please make your cheque payable to ‘The Bridgewater Hall’.

Booking Fees

Prices shown in this brochure include booking fees. A booking fee of £3.25 or £4.75 per ticket applies to telephone and online transactions. No fee applies to tickets bought in person or purchased as part of a fixed or flexible subscription.

For details of ticket exchange, group discounts, concessionary and standby tickets, please visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk or call the Box Office.

Flexible Booking

Save 15% on the full ticket price when you book 5 or more concerts featuring Please note you cannot apply more than one discount to a booking.

Accessibility

The Bridgewater Hall is fully accessible for disabled patrons. For information on facilities please visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0161 907 9000.

Booking Protect

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled. Customers who have purchased Booking Protect alongside their ticket purchase may be eligible for a refund under the terms of their protection. If you have added Booking Protect and would like to apply for a refund, please contact Booking Protect directly. The Bridgewater Hall cannot process or discuss refunds for tickets covered by Booking Protect.

Concert Timings

Timings will be updated on our website closer to the concert date. Please check on the day of the performance for the most up-to-date information. All timings are approximate and are subject to change.

Getting Here

The Bridgewater Hall is in the centre of Manchester, easily accessible by public transport and by road.

Metrolink tram passengers should alight at St Peter’s Square or Deansgate-Castlefield.

The nearest bus stops for major routes into the city centre are St Peter’s Square/Portland Street or Deansgate.

Coaches can drop off and pick up outside the main entrance on Lower Mosley Street.

The nearest rail stations are Deansgate and Oxford Road.

The nearest car parks are Q-Park First Street, NCP Manchester Central, NCP Great Northern or NCP Oxford Street. If travelling by car, please allow plenty of time for your journey.

The

Bridgewater Hall

Lower Mosley Street

Manchester M2 3WS

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