Welcome to
Manchester Midday Music

Welcome to a brand-new season and a brand-new look, Manchester Midday Music.  We are delighted to introduce a season of concerts which is one of the most diverse and inspiring we have ever presented.

Once again, the number and calibre of artists who applied to perform this season has been truly exceptional, and we can’t wait to share their music with you.

This year, our vocal line-up is especially rich and varied. We’re delighted to welcome Efím Zaválny, a charismatic Russian baritone whose powerful story and voice are both moving and sure to impress. Dominic Mattos, a countertenor with a flair for the theatrical, brings a unique blend of cabaret and classical elegance. The vibrant female ensemble Ventis will enchant you with close-harmony arrangements that span classical and contemporary folk traditions from around the world. And Ana-Carmen Balestra, celebrated for her clear and expressive voice and sparkling stage presence, promises to captivate with a dramatic and heartfelt performance.

No Manchester Midday Music season would be complete without world-class piano recitals. We are proud to present two winners of the Terence Judd-Hallé Award, Alexander Gadijev and Giorgi Gigashvili, both forging very successful international careers. They are presented alongside four immensely talented, prizewinning pianists chosen from our auditions process. Henry Lewis, a pianist known for his original and thoughtful approach, regularly performs internationally as both a soloist and chamber musician.  Multiple prizewinner Sherri Lun, praised for her “pinpoint clarity and convincing bravura”. Mario Bobotsov, a graduate of the National School of Music in Sofia, and Antoine Préat, a multi-award-winning soloist known for his distinctive voice and strong musical conviction.

Our chamber music recitals are equally exciting. Trilogy Ensemble, a trio of harp, flute and viola, who create a truly sublime sound. Connaught Brass, technically astonishing, will bring a performance of exceptional versatility and flair, while the Galilee Quartet offers a rare and beautiful fusion of classical and Arabic traditions, performed with deep cultural resonance.

We also feature a wonderful selection of duo recitals: violinists Jelena Horvat (with pianist Svitlana Kosenko) and Sophia Stoyanovich (with pianist Derek Wang), and oboist Ewan Millar (with pianist Tomos Boyles) will each bring their own expressive voices to the stage. 

And of course, we’re delighted to welcome back the ever-popular Scott Brothers Duo, whose performances are always a highlight.

We hope you will be able to join us, and we look forward to seeing you at The Bridgewater Hall over the coming months.

Simon Parkin, Director of Concerts