Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region’s most cherished orchestral forces and venues, from the RNCM to the Hallé, Manchester Camerata to Manchester Collective.
Want more music? Head to our general Music guide for our latest scoop on the North’s best gigs and festivals.
In the May edition of the Green Room, Zenaida will be bringing their central and South American blend of warm upbeat rhythms to the Carlton Club’s best alternative acoustic night.
The Royal Northern College of Music, a cultural staple on Oxford Road for over 50 years, has an electrifying spring season in the works. From the familiar to the unprecedented, Venetian opera to contemporary pop, the programme is wildly eclectic, and bold collaborations abound.
The 27th instalment of The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship classical music series is here. True to form, there are some incredible concerts to look forward to, featuring some of the leading ensembles and musicians of our time.
Home to the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic orchestras, the Bridgewater Hall attracts some of the biggest names in classical music. Purpose-built to the tune of £42m, the hall was designed around its acoustic needs; it floats on 280 earthquake-proof isolations springs that mute all external noise, perfect for shielding around 250 performances a year from the trams outside.
The Royal Northern College of Music is both a music venue and an academic institution training up some of the country’s finest music students.
Manchester’s new kid on the concert hall block, the Stoller Hall, opened its doors in April 2017 to further enhance the city’s already enviable live music provision.
The 1930s Art Deco Philharmonic Hall, home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, gives no hint of the sensuous curves of the auditorium inside from its hard exterior.
Hallé St Peter’s is a deconsecrated Grade-II listed church, once a theatre prop store, then a knitting factory, before being restored and becoming home to the Hallé orchestra.
Manchester’s Albert Hall is an astounding Wesleyan Chapel turned live music venue, regularly hosting classical concerts.
Manchester Cathedral dates back to at least the 1400s and has been rebuilt many times. In current, striking form, it’s still a place of worship, but also host to regular gigs and events.
One of the country’s foremost festivals showcasing new and emerging talent, Sounds From The Other City is back over Early May Bank Holiday.
from £40
manchester jazz festival is back this May with 10 days of live music from some of the best northern, national and international musicians operating in the world of contemporary jazz.
0-£30
Manchester Psych Fest, the UK’s trailblazing psychedelic music and arts festival has announced a massive bill for its 2024 edition.
from £45.20
Legendary American rock band Pixies are bringing their unmistakable and era-defining sound to The Piece Hall.
from £47.50
New Order play an all-day outdoor concert at Wythenshawe Park alongside Manchester’s own Johnny Marr and adopted Manc Róisin Murphy.
from £61.60
If you’re hunting for the perfect present – a Factory International Gift Membership could be just the ticket.
from £45.00
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
From the familiar to the unprecedented. Bold collaborations abound in the RNCM’s wildly eclectic spring season.
from £6
The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship concert series brings the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and world renowned choirs to Manchester.
from £14.50
Elephant Gym bring their patchwork of jazz, contemporary math- and post-rock to Manchester this May in support of their new album, World.
from £17.75
One of London’s most hyped bands of the moment, Bar Italia are playing Band on the Wall in support of their acclaimed 2023 album, The Twits.
from £15
World renowned chanteuse Ute Lemper performs songs from throughout her illustrious career, including her new album, Time Traveller.
from £34.00
Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.
Take me there
From the team behind the Kazimier, the Invisible Wind Factory is Liverpool’s most eclectic live music venue and nightclub.
District Liverpool is a multi-purpose venue in the Baltic Quarter, hosting gigs, club nights, films, cabaret, festivals and much more.
Opened in 1991, Night & Day Cafe on Oldham Street plays host to an exhausting array of gigs throughout the year.
A regular venue for gigs and one-off cultural events, Manchester Cathedral is nevertheless a working place of worship – open all year round.
Situated in a former flour mill to the south east of the city centre, The Leadmill is Sheffield’s longest running music venue.
Long-standing Manchester venue appealing to a younger crowd, Fifth holds regular club nights.
The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) is the national advocate of early music in England and a centre of excellence for music-making in the City of York.
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.
