The Bridgewater Hall SUMMER 2023
Welcome
Welcome to our summer what’s on guide. The clocks have moved forward, and the long summer days are almost upon us once again. We know you will find something of interest in another exciting range of events here at The Bridgewater Hall.
We are delighted to welcome back the Live at Lunchtime series of free events during the summer months. Expect stellar performances from a wide array of musical talent, including Northern Reeds (wind quintet), traditional folk songs from The Dovetail Trio and neo-jazz singer-songwriter Ni Maxine.
Gracing the main stage will be exceptional classical artists and ensembles including our own Hallé orchestra and BBC Philharmonic. International names from the world of rock and pop, including Sparks, Katie Melua, Joe Satriani and recent Grammy Award winner Bonnie Raitt
Add to the mix the unforgettable alien drag queen Juno Birch and the very first Pride Classical featuring Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, as well as the inaugural Manchester Classical weekender featuring many of our best local classical ensembles and artists, see pages 13-14 for more information. We are proud to once again offer a calendar of musical diversity and delight, with something for everyone.
Andrew Bolt Chief Executive Officer The Bridgewater HallBox Office: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
The Bridgewater Hall's Classical Season 23|24 On Sale
We are delighted to announce the Hall's new 2023|24 classical season will be on general sale Tuesday 2 May. This will include series from the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic and the Hall's own International Concert Series.
See our website for more details.
Booking Fees
Please note all prices featured in this brochure include a booking fee of either £2.50 or £3.75.
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 Artists
From the top: Postmodern Jukebox, Juno Birch & Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Hear things differently ...
Manchester Classical is a unique collaboration between our city’s most exciting classical ensembles and The Bridgewater Hall. The weekend celebrates Manchester’s musical heritage with performances from the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, Manchester Collective and many others, as well as the opportunity to join in with free craft activities and enjoy local food and drink. From the cutting edge to the classics, this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to listen and experience something extraordinary in the heart of Manchester.
May
The Hallé – Mahler’s 1st Symphony
Mike and The Mechanics Refueled! Tour
Monday 1 May 7.30pm
Mike and The Mechanics, who have sold over ten million records worldwide, are coming to The Bridgewater Hall as part of their Refueled! 2023 Tour – all the hits and a drop of Genesis.
Mike and The Mechanics comprise Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford (guitar), one of the UK’s most prolific R&B singers, Andrew Roachford (lead and backing vocals), and Canadian-born singer, Tim Howar (lead and backing vocals), who has toured with the likes of Rod Stewart and Paulo Nutini.
Tickets £46.25 to £53.75
Book Tickets
Maxime Pascal conductor
Vera-Lotte Boecker soprano
Thursday 4 May 7.30pm
Thomas Adés These Premises Are Alarmed
Berg Lulu Suite
Mahler Symphony No.1
‘A web of sound that delights and fascinates the ear’, was The Times verdict of Adès’s fizzing curtain-raiser. Berg’s stunning music drawn from his opera, Lulu, is all but a symphony in name, including at its heart the song of the enigmatic protagonist herself, as much a victim as femme fatale, which will be sung by Vera-Lotte Boecker. Mahler’s First Symphony reflects his vision of a symphony embracing the world: from the sounds of nature and peasant dances, to folksongs, military and hunting calls and a funeral march.
Pre-concert event at 6.30pm
Thursday Series sponsor: Siemens
Tickets £15.50 to £46
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
Book Tickets
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Live at Lunchtime Chetham’s School of Music
Friday 5 May 12.45pm
Once again, we’re delighted to welcome talented young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music, the specialist music school with its home in the heart of Manchester. This performance features a range of small school ensembles from the school.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
Postmodern Jukebox Life in the Past Lane Tour
Sunday 7 May Doors 7.00pm
Postmodern Jukebox’s Life In The Past Lane Concert Tour is a celebration of the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era, for the perfect patina of “vintage” and “modern.” As always, we’ll be bringing the PMJ Universe to life with a cast full of today’s most exciting vocalists, instrumentalists, and tap dancers, to bring you the top-shelf entertainment experience for which PMJ is known. Whether you’re a vinyl aficionado or a TikTok fashionista, catch a ride with us for an unforgettable trip through 100 years of timeless music.
Tickets £35.25 to £51.25
Book Tickets
Manchester Mid-day Concert Series
Musicians from Manchester Camerata
Tuesday 9 May 1.10pm
Mendelssohn Octet in E-flat major, Op.20 Paul Saggers World premiere
Tickets £12.50
Concession £11 | Student £7.50
Book Tickets
Whitney –Queen of the Night
Thursday 11 May 7.30pm
Direct from the West End, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back, celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time with a sensational cast and stunning live band. Taking audiences on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of nostalgic hits that include: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, My Love Is Your Love, So Emotional Baby, Run to You, Saving All My Love, How Will I Know, Million Dollar Bill, The Greatest Love Of All and many more. Join us for an unmissable evening and experience the ultimate Whitney Houston tribute show as it returns to The Bridgewater Hall.
Tickets £30.75 to £41.25
Book Tickets
Live at Lunchtime Golty Farabeau
Friday 12 May 12.45pm
Golty Farabeau is a Roots Reggae and Sega musician from The Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. His music reflects the beauty and relaxed lifestyle of his homeland. Golty is a popular performer on the North-West music scene, where his performances have included Mintfest in Kendal and MIF.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
Thank You For The Music
The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA
Friday 12 May 7.30pm
This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 20th year, with a brandnew show for 2023 combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast. Join us for the party of the year, you can dance, you can jive, and have the time of your life as we bring you all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more!
Tickets £31.75 to £38.75
Book Tickets
The Hallé The Bee Gees
A Celebration of 65 Years
Richard Balcombe conductor
Graham Bickley, Patrick Smyth, Stuart Matthew Price and Abbie Osmon vocalists
Saturday 13 May 7.30pm
Including: Massachusetts, I’ve Got to Get a Message to You, Words, Run To Me, To Love Somebody, How Can you Mend a Broken Heart?, Night Fever, How Deep Is Your Love?, You Should be Dancing, Nights On Broadway, Stayin’ Alive, Grease is the Word, Guilty, Woman in Love, Islands in the Stream, If I Can’t Have You, More Than a Woman and Heartbreaker.
The Hallé presents a celebration on the 65th anniversary of the formation of the Bee Gees and their musical legacy, which has seen record sales of over 220 million, setting them among the best-selling artists of all time. Following on from the acclaimed celebration of Elton John with the Hallé last year, conductor Richard Balcombe and our star soloists guide us through the Bee Gees highly successful career: from the early period in the 1960s and ’70s, through to their career defining multi-award winning soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever in 1977, their burgeoning reputation as writers and producers for other leading artists in the ’80s to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. You should, most definitely, be dancing.
Presented by GRB Concerts
Concert sponsored by: Siemens
Tickets £17.50 to £46.50
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Book Tickets
Joe Satriani The Shapeshifting Tour
Sunday 14 May Doors 7.00pm
Rescheduled from 25 May 2020
World-renowned guitar virtuoso, Joe Satriani makes his Bridgewater Hall debut to support the release of his 17th solo album. The live show will feature tracks from Joe’s studio album released by Sony/Legacy in April 2020, plus he will perform many of his classic fan-favorites including Surfing With The Alien, Always with Me, Always with You and Flying In A Blue Dream. The band features celebrated drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty) bassist Bryan Beller (Aristocrats) and keyboardist Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc).
Tickets £53.75 to £63.75
Book Tickets
BBC Philharmonic Shostakovich Symphony No.13
John Storgårds conductor
Jennifer Pike violin
Kostas Smoriginas bass-baritone
Estonian National Male Choir
Thursday 18 May 7.30pm
Arvo Pärt De Profundis
Sibelius Violin Concerto
Shostakovich Symphony No.13, ‘Babi Yar’
Dulcet tones fill The Bridgewater Hall as John Storgårds guides us through an evening of profound emotional contemplation. Opening the concert is Pärt’s De Profundis, his take on a psalm that has inspired composers throughout history. Following this, Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, his only true concerto. Inspired by sweeping landscapes and the tranquillity of nature, its captivating melodies growing into dashing virtuosity –performed here by Jennifer Pike – cement it as one of the best of all. Finally, we end the night with Shostakovich’s Symphony No.13, a grave plea against antisemitism wrapped within some of the composer’s most powerful music.
Tickets £12.50 to £26.50
Disabled patrons – 50% discount
Seniors & Claimants – 20% discount
Under 26s & Students – Stalls seats £5.50
Book Tickets
Live at Lunchtime
Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band
Friday 19 May 12.45pm
Now in their seventeenth year, Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band continue to delight audiences with their unique brand of good-time music. Drawing inspiration from British and European folk traditions, American ragtime, blues, hokum and old-time idioms, every performance delivers an exciting range of audial treats.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
The Hallé
Beethoven’s Triple Concerto
Dalia Stasevska conductor
Nicola Benedetti violin
Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello
Benjamin Grosvenor piano
Friday 19 May 7.30pm
Sibelius Karelia Suite
Beethoven Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano
Andrea Tarrodi Paradisfåglar II (Birds of Paradise)
Sibelius Symphony No.7
Undoubtedly one of the season’s highlights: this concert features Nicola Benedetti's second appearance and the hugely anticipated Hallé debut of Sheku KannehMason. Completing a dream team for Beethoven’s ‘Triple’ Concerto is Benjamin Grosvenor, no stranger to Hallé audiences. Dalia Stasevska, Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, also makes her debut with the Hallé, framing the concert with music by her compatriot Sibelius. Swedish composer Andrea Tarrodi's Paradisfåglar II, ‘inspired by BBC Planet Earth films, musically illustrates the strange yet beautiful birds of paradise, their many different colours, the way they fly, sound and sing.
Concert sponsored by: The Edwardian Manchester
Tickets £15.50 to £46
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
Book Tickets
Katie Melua
Love & Money Tour
Saturday 20 May Doors 7.00pm
Georgian-British singer-songwriter and musician Katie Melua returns to The Bridgewater Hall for a very special show in 2023 as part of the huge Love & Money tour. In support of her brand new album Love & Money
Katie will perform her classic hits including Nine Million Bicycles and The Closest Thing To Crazy, plus songs from the new album.
Tickets £31.25 to £46.25
VIP packages £78.75 to £128.75
Jonathan Scott organ Brilliant Baroque
Tuesday 23 May 1.10pm
Purcell Rondeau (Abdelazar)
JS Bach ‘Gigue’ Fugue BWV 577
Book Tickets
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Handel Passacaglia (Suite No.7 in G minor HWV 432)
JS Bach Air on the G String BWV 1068; Allegro from Brandenburg Concerto No.5 BWV 1050
Pachelbel Canon in D
JS Bach Chaconne (Partita No.2 BWV 1004)
Jonathan Scott presents a special programme of baroque favourites to celebrate ten years of his lunchtime organ concerts. The programme includes some of the most famous and virtuosic pieces by Handel and Pachelbel, as well as some of Bach’s greatest works.
Tickets £12.50 | Concession £11 | Student £8.50
Book Tickets
The Hallé Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony
Kevin John Edusei conductor
Nelson Goerner piano
Wednesday 24 May 2.15pm
Thursday 25 May 7.30pm
Sunday 28 May 4.00pm
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2
Missy Mazzoli Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres)
Dvořák Symphony No.8
The Hallé welcomes, for the first time, German conductor Kevin John Edusei who is joined by pianist Nelson Goerner. Dubbed by BBC Music Magazine as ‘An artist of a very high order’, he plays the concerto with which Rachmaninov, as composer and virtuoso pianist, swept the world. American composer Missy Mazzoli wrote her animated Sinfonia in ‘the shape of a solar system’, elaborating that ‘it’s a piece that churns and rolls, that inches close to the listener, only to leap away at breakneck speed’. To conclude, Dvořák’s genial, sunny Eighth Symphony, bursting with the beguiling folk tunes of Bohemia.
Thursday Series sponsor: Siemens
Tickets £15.50 to £46
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Book Tickets
Manchester Mid-day Concert Series
Mithras Trio
Thursday 25 May 1.10pm
McDowall Cavatina at Midnight Dvořák Trio No.4, Op.90 ‘Dumky’
Pianist Dominic Degavino gave an impressive recital for us a few years ago, and it’s great to welcome him back as part of the Mithras Trio, which has been building up quite a reputation as one of the most exciting chamber groups now emerging. They are multiple international prizewinners, including Royal Overseas League, Kirckman, and Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition, and we are lucky to catch them near the beginning of what promises to be a glittering international career.
Sponsored by the Kirckman Concert Society
Book Tickets
Tickets £12.50
Concession £11 | Student £7.50
Live at Lunchtime
Ellen Beth Abdi
Friday 26 May 12.45pm
Mancunian music-maker Ellen Beth Abdi uses live loops, pokey drums, undulating synths and quietly subversive lyrics to mould her unique sound.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
Celebrating Meatloaf
The Official Meat Loaf Celebration
Friday 26 May 8.00pm
Celebrate the legendary Meat Loaf and experience his hit songs performed brilliantly by The Neverland Express plus American Idol winner, Caleb Johnson.
The Neverland Express includes world-class alumni of Meat Loaf’s official band. Led by his record producer, music director, guitarist, Paul Crook with drummer, John Miceli and guitarist, Randy Flowers, the band stays true to the original recordings while delivering the excitement of a live Meat Loaf show.
Tickets £33.25 to £46.25
Book Tickets
Sparks SOLD OUT
Saturday 27 May 7.30pm
Levels of interest in the work of Sparks are at heights unsurpassed in their 50+ year career, with the ultimate cult band now centre stage in the full beam of the spotlight. Now into their sixth decade of making music, Sparks have never been more relevant.
Tickets £38.75 to £58.75
Contact the Box Office on 0161 907 9000 for restricted view seats, or to be added to the waiting list.
June
Pride Classical
Live at Lunchtime
Northern Reeds
Friday 2 June 12.45pm
Northern Reeds is the UK’s first established reed quintet, founded by five RNCM Graduates. They are the winners of the Royal Philharmonic Society Henderson Award 2022, June Emerson Wind Music Prize 2022, RNCM Fewkes Prize 2022, and RNCM Christopher Rowland Prize Audience Vote 2022.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
Friday 2 June 8.00pm
The soundtrack to 50 years of love, hope and celebration, Pride Classical fuses anthemic melodies with irresistible rhythms and evocative lyrics. Danny Beard – winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race – leads a lineup of incredible singers and musicians. Danny’s joined by West End star, Matt Henry; Alison Jiear, star of Jerry Springer: The Opera and a Manchester Pride regular; and by a chorus, orchestra and ensemble of outstanding LGBTQ+ performers and allies. Now through new orchestral arrangements, same-sex duets and medleys juxtaposing eulogy and euphoria, this concert celebrates everyone who shares our love, and our pride.
Tickets £38.75 to £53.75
The Hallé – The Dream of Gerontius
Sir Mark Elder conductor
Sunday 4 June 6.00pm
Elgar The Dream of Gerontius
Alice Coote mezzo-soprano
Michael Spyres tenor
Neal Davies bass-baritone
Hallé Youth Choir and Alumni director Stuart Overington
Confidently, Elgar wrote on the manuscript of The Dream of Gerontius, ‘This is the best of me’. Elgar adapted Cardinal Newman’s poem of the death and resurrection of ‘a man like us … a sinner’, creating the work’s dynamic through Wagnerian leitmotifs and superb, varied choral writing. Sir Mark’s personal high spot is Elgar’s masterly control of momentum from the moment when Gerontius’s soul encounters the Angel, to his split-second vision of the Almighty, a huge musical span including two of the work’s marvellous set pieces, the ‘Demons’ Chorus’ and ‘Praise to the Holiest’.
Pre-concert event at 5.00pm
Sponsored by: PZ Cussons
Tickets £15.50 to £46
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Book Tickets
Opera North: The Pearl Fishers
Thursday 8 June 7.00pm
The Pearl Fishers tells the story of two men, Nadir and Zurga, whose vow of friendship founders on their love for the same woman, the priestess Léïla. Bizet’s music brims with lyric beauty, imaginative orchestration, magnificent choruses and gorgeous melodies, nowhere more so than in what is perhaps the best-loved tenor/baritone duet in all opera, ‘Au fond du temple saint’. This new concert staging of the opera in which Bizet found his distinctive voice as a composer is conducted by Matthew Kofi Waldren (Don Giovanni, La bohème) and directed by Matthew Eberhardt (Trouble in Tahiti, Street Scene).
Tickets £20.00 to £52.50
The Hallé – The Apostles
Sir Mark Elder conductor
Saturday 10 June 6.00pm
Elgar The Apostles
Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha soprano
Alice Coote mezzo-soprano
Ed Lyon tenor
Roderick Williams baritone
David Stout bass-baritone
Brindley Sherratt bass
Hallé Choir choral director Matthew Hamilton
Sopranos and Altos from Hallé Youth Choir director
Stuart Overington
The Apostles was composed for the 1903 Birmingham Festival, its seeds sown by a teacher’s remark Elgar never forgot: ‘Christ’s disciples were young men, and very poor, perhaps no cleverer than some of you here’. For Sir Mark, it’s the closest Elgar came to writing an opera and he particularly admires its opening – ‘the mystical introduction, then dawn over Jerusalem, setting the scene for an epic.’ Elgar again skilfully uses leitmotifs in his portrayal of the characters, particularly the powerful music for Judas. Among the exceptional soloists are 2021 Cardiff Singer of the World, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, Clive Bayley and Ed Lyons, who makes his Hallé debut. In its review of the Hallé’s recording of The Apostles, BBC Music Magazine commented ‘Elder has perfect control of the large forces and dramatic pacing’.
BBC Radio 3 recording
Sponsored by: PZ Cussons
Tickets £15.50 to £46
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
Book Tickets
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Book Tickets
The Hallé – The Kingdom
Sir Mark Elder conductor
Sunday 11 June 6.00pm
Elgar The Kingdom
Gemma Summerfield soprano
Dame Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano
Thomas Atkins tenor
Ashley Riches bass-baritone
Hallé Choir and Associates choral director Matthew Hamilton
Of The Kingdom Elgar wrote that his aim was to ‘embody the Calling of the Apostles, their Teaching (Schooling) and their Mission’. It shares leitmotifs with The Apostles and hearing them on consecutive evenings will intensify these connections. Sir Mark cites the Virgin Mary’s aria, ‘The sun goeth down’, as its gem, indeed a ‘standout moment in all Elgar where the exultance of the music is very real’. It will be sung by Gemma Summerfield; and as Mary Magdalene, Dame Sarah Connolly makes a most welcome return. Thomas Atkins and Ashley Riches sing St John and St Peter respectively. What Sir Mark describes as Elgar’s ‘Malvern trilogy’ ends with a fervent setting of The Lord’s Prayer, with the composer drawing together the now familiar themes that have woven their way through these iconic oratorios.
Sponsored by: PZ Cussons
Tickets £15.50 to £46
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Juno Birch
Monday 12 June 7.30pm
Book Tickets
Wa wa wa … Welcome to The Juno Show! She’s back! Everyone’s favourite alien drag queen Juno Birch stars in her theatrical one woman show. Witness the alien queen express her delusional self love through slapstick song and 'dance'. She will be joined by her plastic puppet daughter on a chaotic stage adventure full of lobsters, legs and laughter. Planet Earth, prepare to be stunned!
Tickets £28.75 to £48.75 | VIP £48.75
Book Tickets
Bonnie Raitt Just Like That Tour
Wednesday 14 June 7.30pm
Grammy Award winning legend Bonnie Raitt is back, bringing her latest album on tour to The Bridgewater Hall. With Just Like That…, her first new album in more than six years, Raitt draws on a range of influences that have shaped her career, while creating something that speaks to the circumstances and challenges of these unprecedented times.
Tickets £38.75 to £58.75
Book Tickets
BBC Philharmonic Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
Ben Glassberg conductor
Steven Osborne piano
Saturday 17 June 7.30pm
Ethel Smyth Prelude to Act II (The Wreckers); ‘On the Cliffs of Cornwall’
Britten Piano Concerto
Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
Ben Glassberg closes the BBC Philharmonic’s 22-23 season with a dazzling programme of 20th century treasures. Starting with one of Britain’s lesser-known composers, Ethel Smyth’s Cornish Cliffs from The Wreckers precedes and predicts Britten’s revolutionary operas and is equally as tantalising as it is radiant.
Britten’s bravura Piano Concerto, a welcome chance for Steven Osborne to show off his virtuosic flair in the glistening textures and quirky interplay between piano and orchestra. Lastly, an explosive showstopper in the Symphonic Dances – Rachmaninov’s love-letter to his homeland and his final work.
Tickets £12.50 to £26.50
Disabled patrons – 50% discount
Seniors & Claimants – 20% discount
Under 26s & Students – Stalls seats £5.50
Book Tickets
Live at Lunchtime Music for the Mind & Soul:
Kaviraj Singh & Kousic Sen
Friday 23 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.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
Please note that no alcohol will be served during this performance
Rob Lamberti
A Celebration of the Songs & Music of George Michael
Friday 23 June 7.30pm
No other tribute artist captures George’s musical talent, charisma and passion as closely as Rob Lamberti. With some of George Michael’s personal musicians proudly joining Rob’s band, his performances are guaranteed to hypnotise your senses and do justice to one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time.
Tickets £31.25 to £42.25
Book Tickets
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 June
Manchester Classical is a unique collaboration between our city’s most exciting classical ensembles and The Bridgewater Hall. The weekend celebrates Manchester’s musical heritage with performances from the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Collective and many others, as well as the opportunity to join in with free craft activities and enjoy local food and drink, both inside and outside the Hall. From the cutting edge to the classics, this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to listen and experience something extraordinary in the heart of Manchester. See our website for further details.
Tickets | Individual event tickets £10 each | Under 16s £2
Saturday or Sunday Day Ticket £15 | Student Day Ticket (over 16s) £10 | Weekend Ticket £25
Mrs Overall Genius
A Victoria Wood celebration for families and the young at heart!
The Hallé
Stephen Bell conductor Hallé Children’s Choir
Saturday 24 June 11am
Victoria Wood commission
Join us for a family concert like no other! The Hallé, Hallé Children’s Choir and two surprise actors will combine to celebrate the music and laughter of a true British original –Victoria Wood.
BBC Philharmonic
Anja Bihlmaier conductor
Saturday 24 June 1.30pm
Brahms Hungarian Dances No. 1, 3 & 10
Bartok Concerto for Orchestra
Anja Bihlmaier conducts three Hungarian Dances by Brahms, brimming with memorable tunes and catchy rhythms. A further dash of spice is added with the colourful Concerto for Orchestra by Bartok.
Neon Manchester Collective
Saturday 24 June 4.30pm
Hannah Peel Neon
Michael Gordon Industry
Steve Reich Double Sextet
Built around Steve Reich’s monumental Double Sextet, Neon evokes the darker side of our urban dreams. Hannah Peel’s titular piece captures the decadent and bustling spirit of cities at night, with a taste of loneliness. Michael Gordon’s Industry for solo cello is raw and jarring –music as a self-destructive force of nature. Merging electronics with contemporary classical sound worlds via American minimalism, this show is quintessential Manchester Collective, bold and unpredictable.
Book Tickets
Pictures at an Exhibition
The Hallé
Kahchun Wong conductor
Jess Gillam saxophone
Saturday 24 June 7.00pm
John Harle Briggflatts
Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) Pictures at an Exhibition
Superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam performs John Harle’s Briggflatts, the piece is based on an autobiographical poem by Basil Bunting of the same name.
Pictures at an Exhibition is arguably one of Mussorgsky’s most well-known compositions. Mussorgsky wrote the piece in tribute to his friend, artist Vladimir Hartmann, who died at a young age at the peak of his career, and the music was written to accompany an exhibition displaying Hartmann’s work.
I was guided by the following vision
Manchester Camerata
Agata Zajac conductor
Daniel Pioro violin/director
Caroline Pether leader/ director
Saturday 24 June 10.00pm
Sonic meditation
Pioro (arr. Tom Coult) Saint Boy
Anna Clyne Sound & Fury
Nikki Martin Kolysanka
Holly Harisson Black Ice
Peteris Vasks Lonely Angel, Meditation for violin and string orchestra
This concert is the embodiment of the internal struggle between chaos and the need for peace, taking us on a journey somewhere between transcendental spirituality and gut-wrenching disruption. We begin with a sonic meditation for orchestra alongside two newly orchestrated works from violinist
Daniel Pioro’s recently released album, Saint Boy. Pioro's serene sound is juxtaposed by Anna Clyne and Holly Harrison’s works, full of relentless chaos and anguish.
Vasks' Lonely Angel is inspired by the vision of 'an angel hovering over the world, contemplating the state of the battered Earth with tears in his eyes'.
These are troubling times we live in, but we invite you to join us as we look to reconnect with the beauty in all of it.
BBC Philharmonic
Joshua Weilerstein conductor
Sunday 25 June 11.00am
Beethoven Overture: Egmont
Ravel Alborada del Gracioso
Takemitsu Towards the Sea II
Bartok Romanian Folk Dances
Dawson Negro Folk Symphony (The bonds of Africa)
BBC Philharmonic return, beginning with Beethoven’s Overture for Egmont, which tells the story of the Dutch Count who defied a Spanish attack, securing freedom for his country. We then take a visit to Spain courtesy of Ravel in the frenzied dance rhythms of his Alborada del Gracioso. Our whirlwind tour then calls in on Japan in Takemitsu’s Towards the Sea II before returning again to Europe for Romanian Folk Dances, before our final piece by the African-American composer William Dawson where we return to ideas of freedom and salvation in the opening movement of his Negro Folk Symphony.
On the Town
BBC
Philharmonic
Anja Bihlmaier conductor
Sunday 25 June 2.30pm
Bernstein On the Town: Overture and Three Dance Episodes
Lili Boulanger D’un matin de printemps
Coleridge-Taylor Ballade
Kodaly Dances of Galanta
Anja Bihlmaier returns to the theme of dance with Bernstein’s music from On the Town, its jazzy melodies accompanying sailors on leave in 1940s New York. The upbeat mood is continued with Lili Boulanger’s D’un matin de printemps, an ode to the pleasures of waking up on a Spring morning. The energetic pace is sustained in Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade with its sweeping romantic orchestration. The concert ends with the Hungarian folk music-inspired Dances of Galánta by Kodaly.
The Rite of Spring
The Hallé
Delyana Lazarova conductor
Sunday 25 June 5.30pm
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
Stravinsky’s cataclysmic ballet
The Rite of Spring, he explained was inspired by ‘the mystery and great surge of the creative power of spring’. This orchestral score was considered outrageous at its 1913 premiere and resulted in a riotous outcry from the audience, today the piece is rightfully considered a masterpiece. It changed the musical landscape forever with its use of rhythms, and is performed regularly by orchestras and ballet companies around the world.
Legend – The Music of Bob Marley
Saturday 1 July 7.30pm
When you think reggae, there is only one name that comes to mind. The legend that was Bob Marley. Legend – the Music of Bob Marley is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show extravaganza. Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate the timeless hits Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Get Up Stand Up, I Shot the Sheriff and many more reggae classics.
Tickets £31.75 to £38.75
Chetham’s School of Music
Thursday 6 July 4.30pm & 7.30pm
Live at Lunchtime
Donna Marie
Friday 7 July 12.45pm
Donna Marie is a singer-songwriter hailing from the North-West of England. Her song writing style mixes musical genres from Americana to blues and country, all that have inspired her as a musician. Her musical style is deeply rooted in storytelling with melodies and earworms that keep you listening.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
Manchester International Fesitval 2023
Sonic Geography
BBC Philharmonic
The Hallé – Dance Extravaganza
Stephen Bell conductor
Saturday 8 July 7.30pm
Gershwin Cuban Overture
Delibes Coppelia: Prelude and Mazurka
Brahms Hungarian Dance No.5
Moncayo Huapango
Piazzolla Libertango (for trumpet)
Tchaikovsky The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
Copland Rodeo: Hoe-Down
Bernstein West Side Story: Mambo
Smetana The Bartered Bride: Dance of the Comedians
Shostakovich Tahiti Trot
Price Symphony No.1: Juba Dance
Grieg Norwegian Dance No.2
Massenet Le Cid: Navarraise
de Falla Ritual Fire Dance
Vimbayi Kaziboni conductor
Ralph Van Raat piano
Friday 7 July 7.30pm
4.30pm – Chetham’s Philharmonic and Sinfonia perform music by Prokofiev, Ravel and more in this celebration of some of the UKs most outstanding young musicians.
7.30pm – Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are joined by Grant Llewellyn to conduct Richard Harvey Concerto Incantato (soloist Anna Williams); Rachmaninov
Piano Concerto No.2 (soloist Jamie Brown); Walton Belshazzar’s Feast.
Tickets from £7.50
Book Tickets Book Tickets
New music inspired by the climate crisis. Lose yourself in a world premiere by John Luther Adams, played by pianist Ralph Van Raat alongside new commissions by Ailís Ní Ríain and Alissa Firsova, all performed by the BBC Philharmonic and conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni.
Tickets 17.50 to £32.50
Book Tickets
Tchaikovsky Swan Lake: Finale
Grand waltzes, leg-kicking hoedowns and mambas galore all feature in this spirited celebration of music and dance! Here are melodies that have found their way into our lives from small screen to big screen, in adverts and on the stage. You may not remember exactly where you first heard them, but you’ll find yourself humming along and tapping your toes nevertheless.
Concert sponsored by the Stock Exchange Hotel
Tickets from £15.50 to £42.50
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups £12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Book Tickets
Rhythm of the Dance
Sunday 9 July 7.30pm
Rhythm of the Dance has brought audiences around the world to their feet for over two decades and is returning with a brand new production. Featuring world-class live musicians, vocalists and champion dancers, the show will be a completely immersive experience. Rhythm of the Dance is an array of everything Irish dance has evolved into, from its roots in ‘Sean Nos’ (meaning old-style), to the militant, clean, modern style we see on stage today. With lyrical and contemporary influences, it will be Irish in essence, with a new edge and promises to be an exploration of how far you can push the boundaries of Irish dance.
Tickets £33.75 to £38.75
Jonathan Scott organ Organ Symphony
Tuesday 11 July 1.10pm
Rossini Thieving Magpie Overture
Mascagni Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana)
Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony No.3 in C minor Op.78
Jonathan Scott presents a rare opportunity to hear a complete live performance of his epic solo organ transcription of Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony. This unmissable performance is complemented by symphonic favourites from Rossini and Mascagni.
Tickets £12.50 | Concession £11.00 | Student £8.50
Live at Lunchtime
The Dovetail Trio
Friday 14 July 12.45pm
Performing traditional folk songs with a new energy, The Dovetail Trio combines the distinctive voices and acclaimed instrumental talents of Rosie Hood, Jamie Roberts, and Matt Quinn.
Free entry, un-ticketed event in the Stalls Foyer
The Hallé – The Best Of British Pop
With Ken Bruce
David Arnold conductor
Ken Bruce presenter
Jon Boydon and Laura Tebbutt vocalists
Saturday 15 July 7.30pm
Take That Shine
Wham! Club Tropicana
Electric Light Orchestra Mr. Blue Sky
Adele Make You Feel My Love
Tom Jones It’s Not Unusual
Coldplay Viva La Vida
Elton John and Kiki Dee Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
The Police Every Breath You Take
Ed Sheeran Shape of You
One Direction What Makes You Beautiful
Amy Winehouse Love is a Losing Game
The Rolling Stones Paint It, Black
Spice Girls 2 Become 1
Deep Purple Smoke on the Water
Robbie Williams Angels
Bonnie Tyler Total Eclipse
Queen We Are The Champions
Radio and broadcasting legend Ken Bruce presents and introduces a concert of iconic British pop. These charttoppers have been specially arranged for West End singing stars Jon Boydon and Laura Tebbutt, guest rhythm section and the full forces of the Hallé. .
Concert sponsored by The Lowry Hotel
Tickets from £15.50 to £42.50
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
Book Tickets
Greater Manchester Music Hub Celebration Concert
Sunday 16 July 3.00pm
Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band | Greater Manchester Show Choir | Greater Manchester Youth String Orchestra | Greater Manchester Youth Wind Orchestra | Greater Manchester Junior Chorus
The GM Music Hub returns to present the region’s flagship youth ensembles in concert. Presenting a stunning variety of music from traditional brass band sounds through to musical theatre and classical, 600 young musicians will perform a ‘never to forget’ concert celebrating the best in educational music performance.
Tickets £14.50 | Under 19s £8.50
Book Tickets
The Hallé – Some Enchanted
Evening: The Music Of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Martin Yates conductor
Scott Davies, Alice Fearn and Gina Beck vocalists
Saturday 29 July 7.30pm
Carousel Waltz; June Is Bustin’ Out All Over; If I Loved You; You’ll Never Walk Alone
Oklahoma! Oklahoma; Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’; People Will Say We’re in Love; I Cain’t Say No
South Pacific Overture; Younger Than Springtime; Some Enchanted Evening; I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy
The King And I March of the Royal Siamese Children; I Have Dreamed; Getting to Know You
Flower Drum Song Love, Look Away
The Sound of Music The Sound of Music; Favourite Things; Sixteen Going on Seventeen; Edelweiss; Climb Ev’ry Mountain
Concert sponsored by The Edwardian Manchester
Tickets from £15.50 to £42.50
Discounts: OAPs, disabled, under 30s, students, claimants & groups
Book Tickets
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
£12.50 on the day tickets
Tickets for Our Pass holders
Encanto In Concert Film with Orchestra
Tuesday 1 August 3.00pm
Walt Disney Encanto tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. But when Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope. Encanto received the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Producers Guild of America Award for Best Animated Feature. The soundtrack features eight original songs by Academy Award-nominated, Tony and Grammy-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda with an original score by Academy Awardnominated composer Germaine Franco.
Ticket £29.25 to £64.25
Book Tickets
Take a look behind the scenes at The Bridgewater Hall
Book a Tour!
Sunday 7 May 11.15am
– BSL interpreted
Monday 22 May 11.15am
– Organ tour
Saturday 27 May 11.15am
– BSL interpreted
Wednesday 31 May 11.15am
– Organ tour
Book Tickets
Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Coming Soon
Lost in Music
Saturday 2 September
The Massed Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines
Saturday 16 September
Paul Carrack
Friday 6 October
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
Friday 27 October
Book Tickets
Box Office: 0161 907 9000 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
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 parking vouchers to your order. If you select your own seat, you can see at a glance which seats are 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
As at March 2023. Please phone the Box Office or visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk to check for changes in opening times.
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 £2.50 or £3.75 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
Parking Discounts
A limited number of prepay discounted spaces are available to patrons attending evening concerts at Q-Park First Street car park (see map) at a rate of £8.10 (from September 2023 £8.85). Spaces must be booked at the time of purchasing your concert tickets, no less than 24 hours before the event. Parking is limited to a maximum stay of 8 hours at the discounted rate.
Q-Park, Anne Horniman St, Manchester M15 4FN
Accessibility
The Bridgewater Hall is fully accessible for disabled patrons. For full information on facilities please visit www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0161 907 9000.
Hotel Accommodation
Innside by Melia Manchester is an ideal choice. The hotel is located two minutes’ walk from The Bridgewater Hall – see map on opposite page. Innside offers 208 spacious, modern guest rooms, with comfortable king-size or twin beds, and fantastic cityscape views.
Innside by Melia
1 First Street
Manchester M15 4RP
Tel: 0161 200 2500
Email: innside.manchester@melia.com
Getting Here
The 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.
The nearest rail stations are Deansgate and Oxford Road.
Coaches can drop off and pick up outside the main entrance on Lower Mosley Street.
The nearest car parks are Q-Park First Street, NCP Manchester Central, NCP Great Northern or NCP Oxford Street. You can book Q-Park parking when you buy your concert tickets. 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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