The Bridgewater Hall’s own classical music series
The International Concert Series is The Bridgewater Hall’s own flagship classical music series, now in it’s 29th year, bringing the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and some of the world’s most renowned choirs to Manchester.
The Series 25-26
As ever, the Series is packed with big names – and there are none bigger than violinist Nicola Benedetti (19 November 2025), joining us on her first solo tour in more than 10 years. We’re also thrilled to welcome English National Opera & Orchestra for the first time, bringing a star-studded cast for two semi-staged performances of Mozart’s Così fan tutte (27 & 28 February 2026).
Tenebrae are returning to premiere their new collaboration with Third Culture Collective (6 October 2025), an exciting mix of western and Indian classical traditions. And there’s a mouthwatering Transatlantic get-together when London’s Philharmonia Orchestra (13 March 2026) are joined by two leading American musicians – conductor Marin Alsop and cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
Leading orchestras will be joining us from across Europe – including Sweden’s O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra (22 September 2025), joined by star percussionist Evelyn Glennie for a journey through nine centuries of music. They’ll be followed by the Brno Philharmonic (14 October 2025) with works from great Czech composers Dvořák and Janáček, plus two jazzy American classics with pianist Freddy Kempf.
The Galicia Symphony Orchestra (13 April 2026) take us to sunny Spain in a concert featuring Rodrigo’s classic Concierto de Aranjuez (with guitarist Thibaut Garcia) and Ravel’s Boléro. And we’re delighted to welcome back the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (16 March 2026) following their International Concert Series debut in 2023.
We end with a real gem of a recital, as great pianist Sir Stephen Hough (12 May 2026) performs everything from Schubert and Beethoven to songs from Mary Poppins.