The Hallé: Adams Conducts The Chairman Dances
1st November 2025
Book Now →Prices from £6.50 to £43.50
- Wheelchair Accessible
Part of John Adams Festival
Experience a landmark evening as composer and conductor John Adams returns to The Bridgewater Hall with a programme featuring some of his most captivating works. Superstar violinist Leila Josefowicz, a longtime muse of Adams, performs Scheherazade.2, a dramatic symphony for solo violin and orchestra inspired by the Arabian Nights tales. This powerful work explores themes of storytelling and resilience in the face of oppression.
The concert also features The Chairman Dances, a lively and rhythmic foxtrot originally composed as an outtake from Adams’ acclaimed opera Nixon in China. The piece showcases Adams’ signature minimalist textures and infectious melodies.
The evening concludes with the UK premiere of The Rock You Stand On, a fresh commission co-commissioned by the Hallé, offering an exciting glimpse into Adams’ evolving musical vision.
A pre-concert talk with John Adams and a special Tuning Up! event provide additional insight into the music and creative process, making this a unique opportunity to engage deeply with one of contemporary classical music’s most vital voices.
Also part of this season
The Hallé: Adams Conducts Harmonium
The Bridgewater Hall 30 October 2025John Adams returns to conduct the Hallé in a powerful programme including Harmonium, Slonimsky’s Earbox and Le Livre de Baudelaire.
Part of John Adams Festival
RNCM Symphony Orchestra – John Adams
The Bridgewater Hall 31 October 2025A vivid musical portrait of 20th century America, from Charles Ives’ witty reworking of patriotic tunes to Michael Daugherty’s industrial energy, Jessie Montgomery’s call for justice, and John Adams’ nostalgic homage—all performed by the RNCM Symphony Orchestra.
Part of John Adams Festival
Hallé: John Adams Chamber Symphony
Royal Northern College of Music 31 October 2025Hear Adams’ Chamber Symphony, Hallelujah Junction & more in this dynamic lunchtime concert with RNCM and Hallé musicians.
Part of John Adams Festival
