Award-winning festival, Manchester Classical, returns to celebrate the city’s rich classical music scene

• The festival includes concerts by the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, Manchester Collective, Riot Ensemble and Royal Northern College of Music
• Festival opens with a Steve Reich special featuring Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood
• The weekend will conclude with an epic concert combining the main stage ensembles including new commission written especially for the festival by Iain Farrington
• Free performances, workshops and family activity throughout the weekend
• Keep up to date at www.mcrclassical.org

Manchester’s leading orchestras, choirs and classical music ensembles come together on the weekend of 27-29 June for Manchester Classical, a vibrant celebration showcasing Manchester as a premier European hub for world-class artists and classical music.

After the inaugural festival in 2023, which won the ‘Series and Events’ Award at the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, the 2025 festival builds on the collaborative spirit of Manchester to ensure this incredible part of Manchester’s music scene continues to thrive. 

Taking place at The Bridgewater Hall, the festival includes concerts by the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, Manchester Collective, Riot Ensemble and Royal Northern College of Music.

Friday 27 June – Festival Launch

The Hallé kicks off the festival on Friday evening in a concert celebrating the music of minimalist composer Steve Reich with Radiohead’s guitarist Jonny Greenwoodtaking the solo spot in Pulse, scored for winds, strings, piano and electric bass. Theconcert also includes Reich favourites Clapping Music and Variations for Vibes, Piano and Strings.

Saturday 28 June – Main Stage Highlights

At 11am, the Hallé Children’s Choir starts the day with a performance of songs from stage and screen. RNCM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will take to the stage at 2pm to perform Mahler’s glorious Second Symphony. At 5pm, the innovative Riot Ensemble bring a contemporary set and at 8pm, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conclude the day with an orchestral programme conducted by Anja Bihlmaier, including Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring piano soloist Hayato Sumino.

Sunday 29 June – Main Stage Highlights

At 10.30am, family audiences will be treated to the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Quentin Blake’s heartwarming Box of Treasures, with the film shown on the big screen. Enjoy a concert of Opera Favourites at 1pm with one of the finest professional operatic ensembles in the UK today, the Chorus of ENO, accompanied by the Hallé. Manchester Collective takes the afternoon slot at 3.30pm with an adventurous show The Body Electric featuring music by Bach, Missy Mazzoli, and Julia Wolfe.

The weekend draws to a spectacular conclusion at 6.30pm with a landmark joint concert featuring members of the main stage ensembles performing Respighi’s The Pines of Rome and featuring John Adams’ ‘fanfare for orchestra’, Short Ride in a Fast Machine. Conducted by Alpesh Chauhan, the concert will also feature a new commission by Iain Farrington, raising the roof of The Bridgewater Hall as musicians from the main stage ensemblestake to the stage for an epic combined performance.

Free events

Free events throughout the weekend include performances by BVG: The Indian Choir of England, AMC Gospel Choir, Hallé Youth Training Choir and The HalléAncoats Community Choir and a family concert bymusicians of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. There will also be free workshops and family activities for all to enjoy.

Food and drink

Food and drink will be available throughout the weekend. More details will be announced soon.

Tickets
Tickets include day and weekend passes as well as individual ticket options. Full details can be found at www.mcrclassical.org

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