Here We Are is about building deeper connections in every corner of the region. This year, we’re growing the project even further, collaborating with both new and familiar faces across the boroughs to ensure world-class music is accessible to everyone.

Alongside our free community shows, the series includes two special ticketed headline performances. We’re also opening the doors of our home – The Monastery, for open rehearsals in the lead-up to our headline concert.

Across 14 shows, workshops, pop-up performances and open rehearsals, you’ll experience music from our world-class orchestral musicians and internationally leading artists, including conductor Christoph Altstaedt and pianist, and our Artistic Partner, Ethan Loch.

There is something for everyone: from family-friendly events and youth collaborations to tailored sessions for people living with dementia. Watch this space for more information coming soon.

As part of our Here We Are Festival, Manchester Camerata returns to our home- The Monastery, Manchester for a classical concert that connects music across nearly 800 years and explores what happens when composers break the rules.

It begins with Pérotin’s Viderunt Omnes, a hypnotic soundworld from the Middle Ages that still feels radical today. From there, we move through shifting ideas of time, harmony and listening, including Charles Ives’ The Unanswered Question, where strings, solo trumpet and woodwinds inhabit completely different worlds.

At the centre of the concert is a new work by Alan Williams, created with and inspired by carers from across Greater Manchester, a piece rooted in real voices and lived experience, shaped with our friends at The University of Salford.

We’re also welcoming back pianist Ethan Loch, our Artistic Partner, for his fourth appearance with Manchester Camerata and second in the Great Nave of The Monastery, joining conductor Christoph Altstaedt for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 – the work that marked Beethoven out as a composer determined to do things differently.

The programme closes with Terry Riley’s In C, a landmark of minimalism built from simple repeating patterns that gradually shift and evolve, inviting performers and listeners into a shared sense of time and space.

Band A (£3-£27.50) >

Band B (£3-£22.50) >

Band C (£3-£17.50) >

Programme

• Pérotin Viderunt Omnes
• Alan Williams and Carers from Greater Manchester (Angela Ashpool, Angela Massey, Jo Nicholson, Caroline Slifkin, Rose Edwards, Colette Travis, Jacqueline Jones, Helen Beaumont, Sonia Roczniak-Gulzar)
  Carers’ piece
• Charles Ives The Unanswered Question
• Terry Riley In C
• Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3

Performed by

• Ethan Loch Piano
• Christoph Altstaedt Conductor
• Manchester Camerata

RNCM Conducting Fellow Jacobus de Jager leads Manchester Camerata in this live classical concert, travelling from the Classical period to the present day with orchestral works by Tchaikovsky and Beethoven, and featuring the UK premiere of a new work by Arthur Feder.

Tchaikovsky, though composing in the late 19th century, admired the elegance and clarity of the Classical style, particularly drawing inspiration from Mozart, whom he described as “a sunny genius”. During a period of personal turmoil, he turned to the serenity of 18th-century music for emotional refuge. His Variations on a Rococo Theme exemplifies this influence, showcasing an ornate yet refined style that reflects the Rococo aesthetic. RNCM musician Chloe Chen joins Manchester Camerata as cello soloist.

Beethoven’s celebrated Symphony No. 3, the Eroica Symphony, is widely regarded as a landmark in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras, breaking boundaries within the symphonic form. Subtitled “composed to celebrate the remembrance of a great man”, the work was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom Beethoven believed embodied the ideals of the French Revolution. However, after Napoleon became Emperor, a disillusioned Beethoven reportedly tore up the title page. The Eroica title may therefore refer to Napoleon as he once was, or more broadly to the concept of heroism.

Programme

• Arthur Feder Homestead
• Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations
• Beethoven Symphony No.3 Eroica

Performed by

• Jacobus de Jager Conductor 
• Chloe Chen Cello
• Manchester Camerata

Book tickets from £3-£12.50 >

Need a break in your week? Join Manchester Camerata at our home, The Monastery in Gorton, for our popular Lunchtime Concert series. Proudly supported by our friends at Classic FM, these intimate, inclusive, one-hour performances offer a world-class musical escape for all.

This lunchtime concert, curated by our leader Caroline Pether, brings together music of intimacy, colour and reflection. Lili Boulanger’s gently expressive Nocturne opens the programme, followed by Ravel’s luminous String Quartet in F major, a work of clarity, warmth and invention and one of the most performed and recorded works in the chamber music repertoire. Osvaldo Golijov’s Tenebrae closes the concert with music of quiet stillness and profound atmosphere.

Programme

• Lili Boulanger, arr. Will Newell Nocturne 
• Maurice Ravel String Quartet in F Major 
• Osvaldo Golijov Tenebrae 

Performed by

• Manchester Camerata

Book Tickets from £3-£37.50 >

Leave the bustle of everyday life behind and experience The Lark Ascending with Manchester Camerata, recommended by Classic FM. Under the baton of our esteemed Music Director, Gábor Takács-Nagy, and featuring our brilliant Leader, Caroline Pether, as soloist, this live classical concert will transport you into forests, fields, and open skies, celebrating the natural world and the feeling of pure joy.

Imagine a clear day in the English countryside: fields stretching under a blue sky, hedgerows alive with birdsong, and a gentle warmth in the air. From its very first note, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending will carry you into this dreamlike place. Inspired by George Meredith’s poem about a skylark soaring ever higher above an English meadow, the music follows the bird as it rises into the sky, pouring out an endless song before disappearing from view. Caroline Pether takes centre stage in this atmospheric portrait of nature, performing one of Britain’s most beloved works.

For a moment, the landscape shifts as a bustling city comes into view. Mozart’s Prague Symphony is bright and full of life, written for a city that welcomed him as a hero, alive with warmth, brilliance, and invention. This life-affirming music brings feelings of energy, optimism, and celebration before the countryside opens out once more.

The journey then leads us to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pastoral”, one of the most vivid celebrations of nature ever written. A passionate walker, Beethoven spent hours escaping Vienna for the surrounding countryside, sketchbook in hand, gathering musical ideas among forests, fields, and streams, transforming them into one of his most beloved works.

The Pastoral unfolds almost like a day spent outdoors. Gentle melodies evoke open landscapes and flowing water, while woodwind instruments imitate birdsong. A lively village gathering is interrupted by one of classical music’s most dramatic storms, as thunder rolls through the orchestra before giving way to sunshine and calm. Yet Beethoven insisted that the symphony was “more the expression of feeling than painting.” Rather than simply depicting nature, he captures the emotions it stirs within us: wonder, joy, peace, and gratitude.

As autumn deepens and the year begins to draw in, take one final breath outdoors, embrace the beauty of the British countryside, and let yourself be carried somewhere far beyond the everyday with this Classic FM-recommended concert experience.

Programme

• Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending 
• Mozart Symphony No. 38 ‘Prague’
• Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’

Performed by

• Gábor Takács-Nagy Conductor
• Caroline Pether Soloist
• Manchester Camerata

Book tickets from £3-£12.50 >

Need a break in your week? Join Manchester Camerata at our home, The Monastery in Gorton, for our popular Lunchtime Concert series. Proudly supported by our friends at Classic FM, these intimate, inclusive, one-hour performances offer a world-class musical escape for all.

This restorative Lunchtime Concert is programmed by our Principal Cello, Hannah Roberts. Check back soon for more information on this programme.

Programme

• Edvard Grieg, arr. Gwyn Seymour Holberg Suite 
• Nick Martin Lamentoso 
• Fauré, arr. Christian Elliott Nocturne No. 4
• Christmas Medley
• Edward Elgar, arr. Simon Parkin Cello Concerto, Movement 3
• Eric Clapton, arr. Simon Parkin Layla

Performed by

• Manchester Camerata

As part of two special anniversary concerts, Manchester Camerata will perform with Chameleons on Saturday 5 December 2026, adding the rich sound of a live string orchestra to the band’s iconic catalogue. The collaboration brings new depth, atmosphere and emotion to some of Chameleons’ most celebrated songs, creating a unique live concert experience for fans of post-punk, alternative rock and orchestral music.

We will be performing alongside Patrick Fitzgerald (Kitchens of Distinction / Stephen Hero) and Evi Vine.

Experience two iconic Manchester acts coming together for an extraordinary evening of post-punk, orchestral performance and special guest appearances at New Century Hall.

Tickets from £40.40 >

Performed by

• Chameleons
• Patrick Fitzgerald
• Evi Vine
• Manchester Camerata

Few pieces of music bring people together quite like Handel’s Messiah. Join Manchester Camerata for this unforgettable Christmas concert, celebrating one of the greatest masterpieces in classical music.

More than 280 years after its premiere, this extraordinary work remains at the heart of the Christmas season. From moments of quiet reflection to the uplifting power of the Hallelujah Chorus, Messiah continues to captivate audiences with its drama, beauty and timeless message of hope.

We’re once again joining forces with Laurence Cummings, one of the world’s leading Handel specialists and Music Director of The Academy of Ancient Music. His energy, insight and deep connection to this music make him the perfect guide.

In Manchester, we’ll be joined by our artistic partners Kantos Chamber Choir, whose rich and expressive sound brings another dimension to Handel’s iconic score. Set within the ethereal surroundings of The Great Nave at The Monastery in Manchester, this promises to be a truly unforgettable festive experience.

We’ll also be taking Messiah to Sheffield City Hall on 5 December, where we’ll be joined by Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus for a special performance of this seasonal favourite.

Join us for an evening of pure festive joy, experiencing some of the most inspiring music ever written.

This show is guaranteed to sell out, so book early to avoid missing out!

Band A (£3-£37.50) >

Band B (£3-£35) >

Band C (£3-£25) >

Band D (£3-£17.50)>

Programme

• Handel Messiah

Performed by

• Laurence Cummings Conductor
• Georgie Malcolm Soprano
• Dominic Mattos Countertenor
• Guy Elliot Tenor
• Peter Edge Baritone
• Kantos Chamber Choir
• Manchester Camerata

Book Now (£3-£35) >

For us, it doesn’t feel like Christmas until this concert!

Widely regarded as one of Manchester’s favourite festive events for the whole family, Festive Happening captures everything we love about the Christmas season. In partnership with our friends and Artistic Partner, the acclaimed AMC Gospel Choir, this uplifting celebration takes us on an unforgettable journey through the sounds and spirit of Christmas.

From powerful gospel performances and beloved festive classics to moments of laughter, reflection, and pure joy, this heartwarming show brings people together to celebrate the magic of the season. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, this experience will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and full of Christmas love.

At the heart of the production is AMC Gospel Choir, one of the UK’s leading live gospel choirs. Renowned for their exceptional talent, soulful harmonies, and powerful stage presence, each choir member brings their own unique energy to create an unforgettable performance.

Join us for an evening of festive music, celebration, and community, and discover why so many families make Festive Happening part of their Christmas tradition year after year.

Book early; this popular show sells out every year!

Doors open at 2pm.

Programme

• A variety of festive gospel favourites

Performed by

• AMC Gospel Choir
• Manchester Camerata

Leading the cast is the incomparable Michael Ball, joined by Loren Allred, Keala Settle, Ben Forster, Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn, Hugh Maynard and Kelly Mathieson, alongside performers from Cardwell Theatre School.

Hosted by Aled Jones, the production is brought to life by our orchestra and the outstanding Manchester Vocal Ensemble, creating a rich and immersive live sound that fills the arena with festive atmosphere and theatrical energy.

Positioned as one of Europe’s largest festive productions, this spectacular event adds to the magic of Manchester at Christmas and promises an unforgettable evening of music, celebration and togetherness.

Book Now >

Programme

• Musical Theatre anthems and Christmas Classics

Performed by

• Host Aled Jones
• A cast of some of the biggest names in Musical Theatre, alongside Michael Ball
• Manchester Vocal Ensemble
• Manchester Camerata