Middlesbrough Town Hall and The Glasshouse announce new classical season featuring Royal Northern Sinfonia and Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Middlesbrough Town Hall and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music have announced a new Middlesbrough Classics season, bringing a year of live orchestral music to the town with performances...
Middlesbrough Town Hall and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music have announced a new Middlesbrough Classics season, bringing a year of live orchestral music to the town with performances from Royal Northern Sinfonia and a line-up of leading classical artists.
The 2026/27 season will take place across both Middlesbrough Town Hall and Middlesbrough Theatre, with concerts continuing across the town while restoration works take place at the Town Hall later in the season.
The season opens on 15 October 2026 with cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason performing Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto, conducted by Dinis Sousa, Music Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia. One of the UK’s most in-demand classical musicians, Sheku will perform alongside Royal Northern Sinfonia in a programme that also includes music from Grieg’s Peer Gynt and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 3.
On 11 November 2026, clarinettist Julian Bliss joins Royal Northern Sinfonia for Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, alongside Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and his Symphony No. 4 ‘Italian’.
Handel’s Messiah will return to Middlesbrough Town Hall on 12 December 2026, conducted by Sofi Jeannin and featuring Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia alongside soloists Hilary Cronin, Helen Charlston, Benjamin Hulett and Luthando Qave.
The season then moves to Middlesbrough Theatre on 24 February 2027, where violinist Anthony Marwood directs and performs Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, alongside music by Janáček and Mendelssohn.
On 18 March 2027, Royal Northern Sinfonia performs An Evening of English Classics, featuring Vaughan Williams’ much-loved The Lark Ascending alongside music by Elgar, Britten, Holst and Butterworth.
The season concludes on 27 May 2027 with An Evening of Mozart Gems, directed by Artistic Partner of The Glasshouse, Maria Włoszczowska. Joined by Royal Northern Sinfonia, she will lead an all-Mozart programme featuring the popular ‘Turkish’ Violin Concerto alongside Symphony No. 29 and the Divertimento in B flat major.
James Thomas, Executive Director, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical Music at The Glasshouse, said:
“This season showcases an outstanding line-up of internationally acclaimed artists alongside some of the most iconic and best-loved works in classical music, performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia. Featuring leading names including Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Sofi Jeannin, Julian Bliss and Anthony Marwood, the programme offers audiences an exciting and diverse range of concerts to enjoy across the year.
We are also committed to ensuring that live orchestral music continues to play a vital role in Middlesbrough while the Town Hall undergoes its restoration. We look forward to connecting with audiences across a range of venues, maintaining a vibrant cultural presence in the town throughout the season.”
Maria Włoszczowska, Artistic Partner of The Glasshouse, said:
“Royal Northern Sinfonia really belongs to the region. Being able to bring this music to Middlesbrough is about making world‑class orchestral performances feel close, welcoming and part of everyday life. We’re building something long‑term, where audiences feel connected to the orchestra and are excited to come back again.”
Kesia Bruce, Strategic Venues Manager for Middlesbrough Council, said:
“We’re pleased to partner with The Glasshouse for another classical season, bringing world-class orchestral music to Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley.
“As well as the performances in Middlesbrough Town Hall’s main concert hall, the 2026-27 season features three performances in Middlesbrough Theatre, offering a more intimate experience for audiences to enjoy. We want classical music to be accessible to all, and as such offer a range of price points and offers for people to take advantage of.”
Tickets for the live orchestral concert season at Middlesbrough Town Hall are £18.50, £23.50 or £29.50. Tickets at Middlesbrough Theatre are £25. All tickets will be available to purchase via www.boxoffice.middlesbrough.
Under 30s tickets will be available from £10 and first-time concertgoers can grab a ticket for £5, making it easier than ever to experience live orchestral music in Middlesbrough.
Audiences can save up to 10% or 20% by booking multiple concerts in the season.
