Thomas Adès has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Hallé Orchestra. The position – Adès’ first formal conducting title – will be for a minimum of three seasons beginning September 2026. The appointment follows Adès’ recent tenure as Artist-in-Residence, which has seen him showcase his work as composer, conductor, and chamber musician.
Adès began his association with the Hallé over 30 years ago as the orchestra’s Composer-in-Association (1993-1999). The collaboration saw the commission and premiere of These Premises Are Alarmed by the Hallé for the opening of The Bridgewater Hall, as well as the creation of The Origin of the Harp – inspired by a Daniel Maclise painting in Manchester Art Gallery. In July 2025 the Hallé’s own label released an acclaimed recording of Adès conducting Aquifer, Dawn and Shanty, alongside works by Oliver Leith and William Marsey.
His most recent visit to the orchestra was in April 2026, when he conducted Lieux retrouvés with cellist Nicolas Altstaedt as part of a programme of Ives, Kurtág and Debussy. Highlights from recent seasons with the orchestra include Adès conducting the UK premiere of the extended version of America – A Prophecy (with the Hallé Choir and soprano Anna Dennis), and performances of his Inferno Suite from ballet score Dante and Air (with violinist Stephen Waarts).
Adès will conduct These Premises Are Alarmed, alongside Asyla, with the orchestra on 19 November; he returns to Bridgewater Hall on 26 and 29 November to perform ...but all shall be well. In February 2027 he is joined by Kirill Gerstein for a performance of the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra and the UK premiere of Francisco Coll’s Lilith – a sweeping, ecstatic “ballet without choreography” after the Biblical figure.
Across the season, he will also present a premiere by Gabriella Smith and works by Stravinsky, Elgar, Berg, Chabrier and Gerald Barry. He will also join the musicians of the orchestra for two chamber concerts, including the ensemble’s debut at Wigmore Hall. Hallé Featured Artist Leila Josefowicz will perform Adès’ Violin Concerto in January 2027 with Elena Schwarz; the violinist has given over 60 performances of the work to date.