Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region’s most cherished ensembles and venues.
Want more music? Head to our general Music guide for our latest scoop on the North’s best gigs and festivals.
An annual festive favourite is back with a bang as the Hallé take to The Bridgewater Hall for their family Christmas concert.
The RNCM has launched its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.
The 27th instalment of The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship classical music series is here. True to form, there are some incredible concerts to look forward to, featuring some of the leading ensembles and musicians of our time.
From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s eclectic Autumn Season.
Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.
Dress up and get down to The Bridgewater Hall this New Year’s Eve, for an uplifting gala concert themed around Let’s Groove.
Home to the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic orchestras, the Bridgewater Hall attracts some of the biggest names in classical music. Purpose-built to the tune of £42m, the hall was designed around its acoustic needs; it floats on 280 earthquake-proof isolations springs that mute all external noise, perfect for shielding around 250 performances a year from the trams outside.
The Royal Northern College of Music is both a music venue and an academic institution training up some of the country’s finest music students.
Still Manchester’s newest kid on the concert hall block, The Stoller Hall opened its doors in April 2017 to further enhance the city’s already enviable live music provision.
The 1930s Art Deco Philharmonic Hall, home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, gives no hint of the sensuous curves of the auditorium inside from its hard exterior.
Hallé St Peter’s is a deconsecrated Grade-II listed church, once a theatre prop store, then a knitting factory, before being restored and becoming home to the Hallé orchestra.
Manchester’s Albert Hall is an astounding Wesleyan Chapel turned live music venue, regularly hosting classical concerts.
Manchester Cathedral dates back to at least the 1400s and has been rebuilt many times. In current, striking form, it’s still a place of worship, but also host to regular gigs and events.
This January, legendary Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti plays an intimate Manchester date with his band, The Positive Force.
from £27
Join The Hallé elves and their presenter Pippa the Christmas Bat for a festive journey through family film scores, tinsel clad classics and seasonal orchestral favourites.
from £18
ArkEnsemble and dancers from Company Chameleon unite to produce an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
from £12.00
Having sung with everyone from Dusty Springfield to Scott Walker, experience the soaring soul of Madeline Bell.
from £12.00
Let the Hallé transport you to a galaxy far, far away…
from £18.00
From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s Autumn Season.
from £8
Escape to Freight Island, has announced its programming for New Year’s Eve, including live performances, DJs, and top-notch food and drink.
free entry
The RNCM launches its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.
from £12.50
Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.
from £10.00
The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship concert series brings the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and world-renowned choirs to Manchester.
from £8
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
Aviva Studios powers into its second year with another thrilling line-up, featuring major works and world premiere performances alongside a super accessible public programme of free events.
from £0
Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Take me there
From the team behind the Kazimier, the Invisible Wind Factory is Liverpool’s most eclectic live music venue and nightclub.
District Liverpool is a multi-purpose venue in the Baltic Quarter, hosting gigs, club nights, films, cabaret, festivals and much more.
The “bombed out church” is brought back to life with music and arts events.
Originally built as a cinema in 1938, The Apollo is a majestic, Grade II listed Art Deco-style music venue.
This self-proclaimed sin slide is one of the most exciting clubs/gig venues the North West has to offer, its reputation travelling internationally.
This former textile mill in one of Leeds’ historic yards is a labyrinthine four-story venue that boasts three bars, a restaurant, three outdoor spaces and a 150-capacity event space.
Sage Gateshead is an impressive music venue.
This warehouse located behind Islington Mill is being brought into creative use by Manchester’s underground music scene.
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.
Munch away the Autumnal blues with this foodie orientated guide of Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North.
Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.
Take some autumnal eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.
