26 Unmissable moments at The Glasshouse in 2026

2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for The Glasshouse International Centre for Music as the charity enters its third decade. Building on 20 years of world-class performances, The Glasshouse is set for a year of creative and ambitious programming – from global stars to groundbreaking collaborations, here are 26 unmissable moments to mark in your calendar for 2026.

Audiences can welcome the New Year in style as Royal Northern Sinfonia delivers its much-loved Viennese New Year’s Day concert, conducted by Naomi Woo. On Wednesday 1 January, enjoy an afternoon of joyful waltzes and lively polkas with soprano Rebecca Bottone. It’s a fantastic musical tradition to start 2025.

On Friday 30 January, Artistic Partner, The Unthanks at 20: An anniversary special with Royal Northern Sinfonia will celebrate 20 years of the Tyneside folk band in spectacular style. Simultaneously marking the 10th anniversary of The Unthanks winning BBC Folk Album of the Year with Mount The Air, the show features favourites from across their 15 albums, with new orchestral arrangements.

Transatlantic Sessions will celebrate the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and USA on Tuesday 4 February. With guest singers and a trusted house band, the evening airs original songs with age-old tunes, exploring shared roots and new musical ground – quoted as “the ultimate back-porch session.”

On Sunday 8 February, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky under the baton of Music Director Vasily Petrenko. Pianist Tom Borrow will join them for a programme of Russian masterpieces, from the mystery of Liadov’s Kikimora to the emotional sweep of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 closes the evening with intensity and depth.

There’ll be an afternoon of musical intrigue on Sunday 15 February at Chanter with Sean Shibe. Directed by Artistic Partner, Maria Włoszczowska, Royal Northern Sinfonia will be joined by guitarist Shibe, who recently performed at BBC Proms at The Glasshouse, to perform works by five of today’s most adventurous composers, including Jonny Greenwood and Gavin Bryars.

On Thursday 20 February, Royal Northern Sinfonia and director Bjarte Eike will take audiences on a dramatic journey through love, loss and legend with Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. Joined a stellar cast of singers: Katie Bray, Rowan Pierce, Jonathan McGovern, Lea Shaw and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia led by director Tim Burke, this performance of Dido and Aeneas is packed with pirates, witches and heartache in a night of powerful storytelling.

On Sunday 22 February, Royal Northern Sinfonia and conductor Ben Palmer bring the magic of cinema to life with Jurassic Park in Concert, accompanied by John Williams’ booming score performed live. From the thrill of discovery to the roar of the T. Rex, this is a cinematic experience that’s bigger, louder, and more breathtaking than ever. Dinosaurs have never sounded so good.

Post-rock pioneers Mogwai hit the stage on Thursday 26 February. With a career spanning three decades, the band will perform tracks from across their discography, including their critically acclaimed 11th studio album The Bad Fire. Released earlier this year, The Bad Fire sees Mogwai forging ahead with some of the most explosive and emotionally resonant music of their career, retaining their signature intensity while exploring new sonic territory.

British musician Lucy Rose will share her new album, This Ain’t the Way You Go Out, at The Glasshouse on Saturday 28 February. Inspired by a creative trip to New York, the album marks a fresh chapter in her songwriting. Opening the night is Margaret Glasby, whose razor-sharp insight sets the tone for an evening that showcases reflective, smart songwriting.

On Friday 6 March, audiences can imagine a sweeping Scottish vista as Royal Northern Sinfonia performs Mendelssohn’s majestic Scottish Symphony. Led by conductor Nil Venditti and featuring violinist Maria Włoszczowska, the evening also includes the lyrical twists and turns of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2. It’s a programme full of contrast and colour and unexpected twists.

Sinfonia of London will perform the iconic Elgar’s Enigma Variations on Friday 13 March in a musical portrait like no other. The piece will be conducted by John Wilson – a combination you’ll be hearing a lot more from in the future as they’re now an Artistic Partner. Pianist Alexandre Kantorow, described by The Guardian as a ‘fire-breathing virtuoso’ (presumably not literally), joins them.

Riverside Ragas: Shahid Parvez and Shashank is coming to The Glasshouse on Friday 13 March. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime evening as two of India’s most celebrated maestros unite on stage: the legendary sitar virtuoso Ustad Shahid Parvez and the internationally acclaimed bamboo flute maestro Shashank Subramanyam. They’ll be joined by Phalgun Parupalli on mridangam and Kousic Sen on tabla. Presented by Artistic Partner, GemArts and The Glasshouse.

Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale arrives in town on Saturday 21 March in a semi-staged version featuring actors, narrators and an intimate ensemble from Royal Northern Sinfonia led by Maria Włoszczowska. Directed by Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Jack McNamara and presented in partnership with Live Theatre, this retelling of a timeless tale blends music and storytelling in a striking way.

On 28 March, GRAMMY-winning bassist and singer Thundercat will perform his virtuosic sound for willing ears, delivering seismic bass mastery that fuses funk, soul, jazz and pure creative energy. An icon of modern music, Thundercat remains one of its most inventive and distinctive voices.

As part of the Piano Greats series, Royal Northern Sinfonia welcomes pianist Nicholas McCarthy to The Glasshouse on Sunday 12 April. McCarthy, renowned as the world’s only one-handed concert pianist, will share an atmospheric programme spanning Bach’s precision to Wagner’s romantic intensity. It’s a musical journey through morning, night and everything in between.

In magic moments on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, Royal Northern Sinfonia will perform John Williams’ unforgettable score to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™, conducted by Benjamin Pope. With the epic film shown on the big screen and the full symphonic sound filling the hall, it’s a wonderful wizarding adventure for fans of all ages.

On Friday 1 May, Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi will perform Solo Piano, an evening of intimate music following his record-breaking six-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall. Featuring favourites from his repertoire alongside deep cuts and surprises, the concert offers a rare chance to savour the understated beauty of one of the world’s most streamed classical artists.

Also on the same evening, Katherine Priddy brings haunting vocals, intricate guitar work and storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings. With two acclaimed albums and a third on the way, she’s become one of the most captivating voices in contemporary British folk.

Icons of the underground performance art scene, The Puppini Sisters bring oodles of sassy charm and vintage glamour to the stage, mixing playful pop hits with dazzling harmonies and retro flair. On 15 May, they’ll deliver a show full of style, swing and spirited reinvention.

Tinariwen’s rebellious desert blues unite audiences at festivals around the world. On Tuesday 19 May, the band will share their hypnotic sound with Gateshead. Originators of ‘assuf’, a style rooted in Tuareg identity and longing, Tinariwen continue to raise global awareness of their culture through growling vocals, spacey guitar lines and clapping rhythms.

Organ sensation Anna Lapwood kicks off her debut tour at The Glasshouse on Friday 29 May. With a brand new touring organ in tow expect Anna to sparkle through a mixture of classical and contemporary music that have made her online performances such a hit.

Royal Northern Sinfonia closes its 2025/26 season on Friday 13 June, joined by two of the UK’s most celebrated pianists – Imogen Cooper and Paul Lewis. Under the baton of Music Director Dinis Sousa, the orchestra will dive into a Mozart feast, featuring two overtures and two piano concertos. An elegant, musical delight.

Online sensations Postmodern Jukebox return with The Future Is Vintage Tour; an all-new show in all-old styles with timeless takes on modern classics. The all-singing, all-dancing spectacular sashays its vintage way into Sage One on Thursday 4 June.

From Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 October, The Glasshouse celebrates the 90th birthday of composer Steve Reich with Steve Reich at 90. Curated by percussionist Colin Currie and hosted by broadcaster Tom Service, the festival features performances from Colin Currie Group, Bryce Dessner, Royal Northern Sinfonia and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Expect legendary works including Drumming Part 1, Music for 18 Musicians, The Desert Music, Electric Counterpoint and more. With free performances and immersive sound installations, it’s a rhythmic celebration of a true pioneer.

On Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October, Royal Northern Sinfonia will perform the well-loved score of How to Train Your Dragon 2 live, perfectly timed to the action on the big screen. With soaring melodies and heartfelt emotion, John Powell’s music lifts this epic adventure to new heights in a moving cinematic concert experience for the whole family.

Every month, BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse showcase the very best emerging artists from across the region. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover fresh talent and experience live music in an intimate setting. With a new lineup each month, there’s always something new and unexpected to enjoy.

Wendy Smith, Creative Director, said: “We’ve in our third decade and our programming at The Glasshouse is as ambitious as ever. These 26 shows are just the tip of the iceberg, highlights from a year packed with a wide range of fantastic events. Classical with Royal Northern Sinfonia, pop, folk, jazz and film music, along with showcasing local talent… there’s something for everyone and plenty to soak up. Join us to make even more memories.”