
As we wave goodbye to 2024, we are already looking forward to 2025. The Bridgewater Hall is set to usher in a year of musical innovation and tradition in Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future; an exceptional range of orchestral and solo performances. The series explores the transformative journey of orchestral music, from the foundation laid by classical masters to bold new compositions that push the boundaries of sound.

German National Orchestra
Friday 17 January 2025 7.30pm
The series begins on 17 January with the German National Orchestra, who present an exciting programme that spans centuries of orchestral brilliance. The evening will begin with Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, a playful work that introduces the audience to the full range of orchestral instruments. This will be followed by Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, in its orchestral arrangement by Grofé, blending jazz and classical elements in a vibrant and iconic piece. Finally, the orchestra will perform Holst’s monumental The Planets, a celestial exploration of the planets in our solar system, each movement rich with its own distinct character and atmosphere.

Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano
Thursday 30 January 2025 7.30pm
Renowned French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard performs Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, a monumental work that reveals the intricate beauty of Bach’s preludes and fugues. The performance will offer a rare and profound opportunity to experience this complete collection in its entirety, with each piece unfolding as a delicate exploration of harmony and counterpoint that bridges the Baroque era with future keyboard music.

Prague Symphony Orchestra
Friday 14 February 2025 7.30pm
Our Valentines Day concert opens with Dvořák’s dramatic The Noon Witch, followed by Tchaikovsky’s lyrical Violin Concerto, which will be performed by Alexander Sitkovetsky with breathtaking expressiveness. The evening concludes with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, a bold and triumphant work that displays the composer’s mastery in navigating tension and release, making for an exhilarating evening of music.

Katia and Marielle Labèque (piano duo)
Tuesday 8 April 2025 7.30pm
The world-renowned piano duo Katia and Marielle Labèque will perform a programme that spans French Impressionism and modern minimalism. They will begin with Debussy’s Six épigraphes antiques, a hauntingly beautiful work for piano duo, before moving on to Ravel’s Ma mère l’Oye, originally composed for piano four hands and full of delicate, dreamlike themes. The evening culminates in Philip Glass’s Les Enfants Terrible, arranged for piano duo by Michael Riesman, bringing the story to life through Glass’s signature minimalistic style, which promises to be a captivating experience.

Manchester Collective x Clark x Melanie Lane
Friday 25 April 2025 7.30pm
The series will continue on 25 April with a groundbreaking performance by Manchester Collective in collaboration with electronic artist Clark and choreographer Melanie Lane. Refractions will blend classical instruments with electronic beats and dynamic choreography, creating an immersive performance that pushes the boundaries of traditional orchestral music and performance art. This unique collaboration promises to be a highlight of the series, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on music and movement.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Monday 19 May 2025 7.30pm
Finally, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Grzegorz Nowak and featuring cellist Wen-Sinn Yang, will take the stage for an unforgettable evening. The programme includes the premiere of a new work by Jeffrey Ching, alongside Mendelssohn’s lively Symphony No. 4, ‘Italian’, Tchaikovsky’s expressive Rococo Variations for cello, and Elgar’s emotional Nimrod from the Enigma Variations. The concert will also feature Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1 and Tchaikovsky’s sweeping Swan Lake Suite, offering a rich tapestry of sound that spans centuries and styles.
Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future is a celebration of the rich history of orchestral music while embracing the future of the art form. With performances that span centuries and genres, this series promises to be an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.
Tickets for these unmissable performances are now available. Don’t miss your chance to experience these remarkable musical journeys in 2025 at The Bridgewater Hall.
View the full series