Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama

The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama is a performance space named after former Vice-Chancellor, Sir Martin Best Harris, CBE. It hosts a wide range of events, from classical music concerts to poetry readings and newly-devised theatre. 

The Martin Harris Centre was established in 2003 and incorporates two major performance spaces: the 350-seat Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall and the John Thaw Studio Theatre, as well as an electroacoustic music studio. The Centre was created by incorporating two older buildings – the Whitworth Laboratory and the New Physics Laboratory – into one modern state-of-the-art facility. 

The Centre hosts new and emerging artists, as well as more established, internationally-renowned talent. It has its own resident string quartet, The Quatuor Danel, which was founded in 1991 and has gone on to achieve worldwide acclaim. 

Situated at the heart of the campus of The University of Manchester, the Centre seeks to educate, stimulate and engage audiences through memorable and inspirational experiences. The varied programme of arts events includes concerts, theatre productions, literature and spoken word events, seminars and lectures. Events are open to the public and many are free to attend. 

A highlight of the calendar of free events is the programme of regular lunchtime concerts (1.10pm – 1:55pm), which are open to university staff, current students, and members of the public alike. From piano concertos to string quartets and jazz ensembles, the concerts are a great way to squeeze a bit of music and culture into a busy day. A full list of the upcoming free events at the Martin Harris Centre can be found here. 

During your visit to the Centre, be sure to take a moment to admire the stunning collection of textile wall hangings by contemporary fabric artist, Alice Kettle. These striking pieces of artwork were commissioned by The Oglesby Charitable Trust and are grouped together for the first time at the Centre.