As the summer of 2025 unfolds, music enthusiasts are gifted with an array of harmonious celebrations that span continents and genres. From the tranquil corners of Halle, Germany, with the Handel Memorial Ceremony, to the vibrant streets of Manchester, UK, hosting a series of spectacular choral events, these gatherings capture the essence of artistic brilliance. Conductors and performers alike bring to life the works of musical legends, offering attendees a chance to delve into the soul of music, nature, and cultural heritage. Join us as we explore the symphony of events that define this musical season.

A Symphony of Summer: Exploring the Grand Celebrations of Music

Dive into the symphonic world with a series of breathtaking musical events that spanned across Europe. From the solemn Ceremony at the Handel Memorial in Halle to the emotionally charged 'The Voice of Nature' in Manchester, music lovers experienced a diverse range of performances that celebrated the richness of chamber and choral music. The events, featuring renowned conductors and artists, offered audiences an unforgettable musical journey, concluding with the exuberant Manchester Classical 2025 Finale and an awe-inspiring Summer Concert at The Bridgewater Hall.

Harmonious Celebrations: A Journey Through Chamber and Choral Classics

June and July of 2025 will be a remarkable period for music lovers across the UK, promising a symphonic extravaganza with events like Diana Ross's 'A Symphonic Celebration' and Manchester Classical 2025. These celebrations will feature renowned performers, orchestral brilliance, and an eclectic mix of genres ranging from soul and jazz to classical and choral. Prepare for a sonic treat as The Hallé collaborates with iconic artists and ensembles in a series of unforgettable performances, making this summer a notable landmark in the UK’s musical landscape.

A Melodic Journey: Highlights from UK's 2025 Symphonic and Choral Celebrations

The Hallé's upcoming series of musical events promises a rich tapestry of sound, emotion, and artistic brilliance. From the resounding choral classics to the dramatic orchestral pieces, the array of performances offers something for every music lover. This season, join the Hallé as they explore the depths of musical expression through renowned compositions and fresh interpretations led by distinguished conductors and performers. Discover the power of Mahler's symphonies, the intricate beauty of Handel's choral works, and the innovative reimaginings of John Adams. Prepare for an unforgettable musical journey.

A Harmonious Journey: Celebrating The Hallé's Diverse Musical Events

Step into the world of orchestral brilliance with The Hallé's 2025 season, featuring iconic works from Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' to Mahler's 'Resurrection Symphony'. This year's lineup promises a rich tapestry of sound and emotion, performed by a stellar cast including Kahchun Wong, Emily D’Angelo, and Truls Mørk. From the grandeur of choral classics to the intimate notes of chamber music, the season offers something for everyone. Join us at venues across Manchester and London for an unforgettable musical journey.

The Hallé's 2025 Season: A Symphony of Musical Masterpieces

Matthew Hamilton

Hallé Choir

The Hallé

Exploring the musical influences that inspire our Featured Composer, Unsuk Chin, this programme will feature the UK premiere of Puzzles and Games from her opera Alice in Wonderland. Written for soprano and ensemble, and featuring text by David Henry Hwang and Unsuk Chin, it is based on Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking-Glass’.

Chamber Series: Unsuk Chin

Hallé St Peter's

A cellist of international renown, Jan Vogler is no stranger to either of Shostakovich’s cello concertos. His 2020 recording of the Second garnered critical praise for its thoughtful introspection and ‘flawless intonation’ (The Classic Review). Shostakovich’s formidable First, generally agreed to be one of the most difficult concerto works for the instrument, performed by Jan, is certainly not to be missed.

Beethoven’s Eroica

The Bridgewater Hall

Join us for a stroll down Broadway – a world where stories sing and feelings dance – for a spellbinding evening of unforgettable tunes, timeless favourites and absolute show-stoppers.

From Broadway, With Love

Unsuk Chin’s Le Chant des Enfants des Étoiles is an intensely atmospheric work which will take you on an exploration through the stars and the infinite reaches of space. Recently revised by the composer, this concert presents the exciting world premiere of this updated version.

The Planets

This concert celebrates Jonny Greenwood’s love of orchestral string writing. In Water, the warmth of the Hallé strings envelopes two flutes and an Indian tanpura on a journey of rippling colour.

The Hallé Presents: Jonny Greenwood

Organists Anna Lapwood and James McVinnie team up to take on this immense piece, written by Jonny Greenwood to commemorate and celebrate the unique legacy of organs in historic buildings.

The Hallé Presents: 605 Years of Reverb

Manchester Cathedral

Taras Bulba, based on the Nikolai Gogol novel of the same name, was written in the midst of World War One. It leads the listener through three key moments in the life of the Russian Cossack, including the death of each of his two sons (one at his own hand), and finally, his own capture and demise.

Rush Hour: Shostakovich’s Symphony No.1

Following the lively ‘Courtly Dances’ from Britten’s opera Gloriana, Norwegian trumpeter, Tine Thing Helseth takes to the platform to perform this new, exciting work, written especially for her. Musically illustrating the biblical role of the trumpet and celebrating its vast expressive possibilities, Nico Muhly’s Doom Painting leads us on a dramatic journey through this historic instrument’s various iterations: ceremonial object for rituals and celebrations alike; harbinger of Doomsday; and jubilant instrument of the psalms.

Walton’s First Symphony

Intended to be a test of both the soloist’s technical ability and their musicianship, the work overflows with cadenzas – short, often improvised passages of notes – which give the soloist ample opportunity for real virtuosic display. Viktoria Mullova, whose playing has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its immense agility and richness of tone, is sure to bring us an unforgettable performance.

Mullova Plays Brahms

Always a Hallé favourite, this celebratory performance offers each of the Hallé’s Youth Ensembles a chance in the spotlight. The youngest artists, in the Children’s Choir, illustrate their experiences through movement and music, members of the Youth Training Choir show how developing voices can work together and the oldest members, in the Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra, offer us a glimpse of the musicians of the future.

Hallé Youth Ensembles Celebration

Put through their paces the previous week, these shortlisted, emerging artists have been selected from hundreds of applicants around the world. To showcase their astonishing abilities, each finalist will conduct Bernstein’s Candide Overture before tackling one of these popular symphonic works:

Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition 2026 Final

Through its use of the chorus and vocal soloists as an integral part of its texture, Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony was a groundbreaking work in the symphonic and choral repertoire. Crafted around the poetic words of Walt Whitman, the work vividly and poignantly illustrates the journey of the human soul, through the metaphor of intrepid sailors weighing the anchor and exploring the ocean wide.

A Sea Symphony

“… the waves of sound produced by the Hallé Choir instilled a sense of uplift that can only be produced by an exceptional chorus at the peak of its form”. The Guardian

Step into a world of musical masterpieces as Matthew Hamilton leads the combined forces of the Hallé orchestra and Choir in an evening of choral and orchestral brilliance.

Feel the power of Handel’s Zadok the Priest, the soaring melodies of Parry’s I Was Glad, the drama of Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture and the sweeping intensity of Verdi’s Force of Destiny Overture.

Summer Concert: Choral Classics

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