Band on the Wall celebrates the TUC’s 150th anniversary with a week-long programme of folk concerts at the Mechanics’ Institute, featuring the likes of Kathryn Williams, Oysters 3, Mike Harding and Edward II.
From £15
Boasting the status of ‘the oldest active African orchestra’, Benin’s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo continue to record and tour some five decades after its inception. Catch the group – featuring three original members – live this summer.
From £16
Legendary Brazilian psychedelic rock group Os Mutantes make their Manchester debut this May, over 50 years after forming. Find out why they count Beck, David Byrne and Devendra Banhart among their many fans worldwide.
From £25
Now a conference and events venue, the Grade II-listed Mechanics’ Institute was the birth place of the TUC in 1868. It was also the birthplace of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (Umist) and the Cooperative Insurance Society.
The RNCM Symphony Orchestra returns to The Bridgewater Hall for its annual end-of-year concert. The programme features Ravel’s timeless drama Daphnis et Chloé, plus Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto and Ambroise Thomas’ 1866-penned Mignon Overture, all under the baton of French conductor and violinist Yan Pascal Tortelier.
From £15.00
The RNCM’s Big Band collaborates and performs with legendary jazz improviser Bart van Lier, principal trombonist with the Metropole Orkest, for its major summer concert. As well as work by van Lier, the programme features pieces by Bill Holman, Jerome Kern and Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz.
From £15
The RNCM celebrates Anthony Gilbert and Adam Gorb, the college’s only two Heads of Composition during its 50-year history, with this two-day event of talks and concerts – including world premieres from both composers.
Free entry
An ensemble of soloists, choir, two pianos and harmonium will perform Petite Messe Solennelle, one of Rossini’s final pieces, under the baton of Andrew Greenwood. The RNCM ensemble will be joined by Jonathan and Tom Scott for a programme that also features Gottschalk’s version of The William Tell Overture.
From £15
F W Murnau’s 1927 romantic drama Sunrise marked both the pinnacle and end of silent film, as it was one of the first films to feature a synchronised musical score and sound effects soundtrack. For this screening, however, award-winning French organist and composer Thierry Escaich will provide the audio accompaniment.
From £14
RNCM Young Company combines with The Circus House to present Letters – a new work featuring music, dance and acrobatics, which examines the shared experiences of Mancunians and Parisians over the past century.
From £10
The RNCM Symphony Orchestra’s first outing of this summer season sees the ensemble perform contrasting works by Bartók, Saint-Saëns and Brahms – all for just £5.
From £5
The RNCM Wind, Brass and Percussion Festival offers family concerts, live film accompaniments, monsters and more, as it spreads throughout the RNCM over almost 12 hours. Most of the festival’s concerts are free.
Free entry
