Thomas Adès has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Hallé Orchestra for a minimum of three seasons beginning from September 2026.
The appointment marks Adés’ first formal conducting title, having previously held positions as an artist and composer with orchestras and festivals in Europe and USA.
World-renowned as a composer, conductor and pianist, Thomas Adès has worked with the Manchester-based symphony orchestra for many years and has most recently held the position of Artist-in-Residence, a role which enabled the Hallé to showcase his music regularly, often with him conducting the orchestra.
Speaking of the appointment, Adés said:
“I am delighted to be taking the role of Principal Guest Conductor at the Hallé. Composing is the most important part of my musical life, but conducting has always played an essential role. Working directly with orchestral musicians and soloists and shaping the interpretation of my music and that of other composers, has been an endless source of joy and inspiration. It feels like the right moment to have a deeper relationship with an orchestra over a number of years. My association with the Hallé and The Bridgewater Hall goes back many years and make this pioneering orchestra the obvious choice.”
Thomas Adès started his association with the Hallé over 30 years ago when, from 1993-1999, he was appointed the orchestra’s Composer-in-Association.
In 1996, his piece These Premises Are Alarmed was commissioned and premiered by the Hallé for the opening of The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester’s concert hall and home of the orchestra.
In July 2025 the Hallé’s own label released an acclaimed recording of Adès conducting his Aquifer and Dawn, alongside works by Oliver Leith and William Marsey.
As a conductor, Adès appears regularly with the Hallé Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
During the Hallé’s 2026/27 Manchester season, Adès will conduct three concerts, in programmes which he has curated alongside the Hallé. The concerts include works composed by him, alongside premieres by Gabriella Smith and Francisco Coll and works by Stravinsky, Elgar, Berg, Chabrier and Gerald Barry. Outside Manchester there are plans for performances in major venues across the UK and internationally.
Adès has also programmed and will perform in a chamber concert in March 2027 as part of the Hallé Chamber Series at Hallé St Peter’s, its small concert, rehearsal and recording venue.
Further chamber concerts, commissions and recordings are planned throughout Adès’ tenure.
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