Exciting young French conductor Stephane Deneve presents a programme of colourful show pieces by three great masters of the orchestra. Berlioz captures the excitement of Rome, while Strauss evokes Vienna's heyday with the lilting waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier. Scottish pianist Steven Osborne returns to the city where he was a prize-winning student to play Rachmaninov's enduringly popular second piano concerto.

A recreation of the very best music of Benny Goodman and Count Basie featuring the Goodmen and Back to Basie Orchestras. Benny Goodman's Carnegie Hall concert of 1938 elevated jazz and swing music from the clubs and dance halls to the concert platform and made political history by allowing black and white musicians to appear together at a major world venue before an integrated audience. The All-Star Goodmen Orchestra will recreate highlights from the Carnegie Hall concert.

The world's foremost classical guitarist, John Williams, makes a much anticipated return to Manchester with a solo recital, following his acclaimed duo performance with John Etheridge in 2007. Williams' latest programme showcases the full range of his repertoire and superior talent.