The festival will be opened with a concert featuring Radiohead guitarist Jonny GreenwoodThe BBC Philarmonic Orchestra performing at Aviva Studios in March

A music festival to celebrate Manchester’s rich classical music scene is taking place this weekend at The Bridgewater Hall, with concerts by the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Northern College of Music and more.

Manchester’s leading orchestras, choirs and classical music ensembles are coming together for a vibrant celebration showcasing Manchester as a premier European hub for world-class artists and classical music.

To kick off the festival – which runs from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29 – there will be a special performance to celebrate the music of minimalist composer Steve Reich by the Hallé, with Radiohead’s guitarist Jonny Greenwood taking the solo spot in Pulse.

There will also be free performances, workshops and family activities throughout the weekend as well as the wide variety of classical concerts taking place.

It comes after the the inaugural Manchester Classical festival took place in 2023, winning the ‘Series and Events’ Award at the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

Adam Szabo, Director of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra said: “Manchester Classical is a brilliant opportunity to experience the sheer power and beauty of live orchestral music, and it’s always exciting to see so many of the city’s incredible ensembles come together for one weekend.

“Festivals like this are vital in making classical music accessible to everyone, and we’re proud to be part of such a vibrant celebration of Manchester’s musical talent.”

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

David Butcher, Chief Executive of the Hallé said: “Manchester Classical represents the forward-thinking, collaborative spirit of Manchester and we are delighted to showcase the rich and diverse talent of the city’s classical and choral scene with this inspiring festival.

“Whether you are a seasoned concertgoer or have never seen an orchestra before, we encourage you to come along, join in, and experience the world leading talent we have to offer for all to enjoy.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to Manchester City Council for supporting this project and to The Bridgewater Hall for hosting us for the weekend.”

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The weekend will conclude with an epic concert combining the main stage ensembles including a new commission written especially for the festival by Iain Farrington.

Andrew Bolt, Chief Executive of The Bridgewater Hall said: “I know I speak for the entire team at The Bridgewater Hall when I say that we are delighted to once again be an active partner in supporting Manchester Classical for 2025.

“We welcome the world class ensembles that will collaborate in bringing the very best in classical music to our beautiful Hall. There really will be something for everyone!

“We extend our thanks to Manchester City Council and the many organisations, musicians, and artists that will give their resources and talents to the people of this exciting city of Manchester during this amazing weekend.”

Full schedule for Manchester Classical 2025:

FRIDAY JUNE 27:

  • 20.00 – Main Stage: The Hallé kicks things off with a concert featuring Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood celebrating the music of legendary minimalist composer, Steve Reich, conducted by Colin Currie.

SATURDAY JUNE 28:

  • 10.00 – Barbirolli Room: The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra performs live Three Billy Goats Gruff from Musical Storyland, as seen on CBeebies. Aimed at children aged 3–7, but enjoyable for all ages.
  • 11.00 – Main Stage: The Hallé’s Children’s Choir performs music from Beauty and the Beast, Singing in the Rain and Come Follow the Band from the musical, Barnum.
  • 12.30 – Barbirolli Room: Hallé Youth Training Choir performs a selection of their favourite songs.
  • 14.00 – Main Stage: The combined forces of the RNCM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform Mahler’s colossal Second Symphony.
  • 15.45 – Barbirolli Room: BVG: The Indian Choir of England performs joyful, uplifting and soothing Indian choral compositions.
  • 17.00 – Main Stage: Aaron Holloway-Nahum conducts Riot Ensemble in works by Alex Paxton and Kristine Tjøgersen.
  • 19.00 – Barbirolli Room: The Hallé Ancoats Community Choir performs uplifting music, from traditional songs to folk tunes, gospel pieces and original compositions.
  • 20.00 – Main Stage: Anja Bihlmaier conducts the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in R. Strauss’s Death and Transfiguration, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances.

SUNDAY JUNE 29:

  • 10.30 – Main Stage: The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ames, presents a live family concert with film for children aged 5 +, featuring Stefano Cabrero’s score for Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures.
  • 12.00 – Barbirolli Room: Come and join in with a fun and uplifting Singing Workshop.
  • 13.00 – Main Stage: Hallé orchestra and the Chorus of ENO perform Opera Favourites by Puccini, Verdi and Britten.
  • 14.30 – Barbirolli Room: AMC Gospel Choir perform rich and vibrant gospel music.
  • 15.30 – Main Stage: Manchester Collective immerse us in the sublime and the electric with violinist Rakhi Singh and cellist Zoë Martlew performing Bach, Missy Mazzoli, and Julia Wolfe’s epic LAD.
  • 18.30 – Main Stage: Manchester’s ensembles combine for a concert including a new commission by Iain Farrington and performances of Respighi’s The Pines of Rome and John Adams’ ‘fanfare for orchestra’, Short Ride in a Fast Machine.

Tickets include day and weekend passes as well as individual options. Tickets and further details can be found by clicking here.