The Glasshouse

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.”

-ENDS-

Media contacts
Orla Noble, Premier Comms – orla.noble@premiercomms.com | 07808282795
Jackie Thompson – jackie.thompson@theglasshouseicm.org | 01914434602

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Listings

Viennese New Year’s Day Concert | 1 January 2026 | Glittering. Celebratory. A smile from ear to ear.

The Unthanks at 20: An anniversary special with Royal Northern Sinfonia | 30 January 2026 | Symphonic. Spectacular. A celebration of two decades.

Transatlantic Sessions | 4 February | Vibrant. Cohesive. Music from both sides of the Atlantic.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky | 8 February | Beauty. Tragedy.

Chanter with Sean Shibe | 15 February | Unsettling. Hazy. A musical journey to fascinate and delight.

Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas | 20 February | Pirates. Witches. Bring some tissues.

Jurassic Park in Concert | 22 February | Stirring. Cinematic. Bringing dinosaurs back to life.

Mogwai | 26 February | Brutal. Beautiful. Post-rock pioneers power on.

Lucy Rose | 28 February | Radiant. Tender. Voice like a tonic.

Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony | 6 March | Spiky. Zesty. Grand Scottish vistas.

Sinfonia of London Elgar Enigma Variations | 13 March | Tears. Riddles. A musical portrait like no other.

Riverside Ragas: Shahid Parvez and Shashank | 13 March | Rare. Flawless. An Indian Classical one-off.

Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale | 21 March | Magical. Diabolical. Devilishly Good.

Thundercat | 28 March | Virtuosic. Seismic. Bass mastery that defies categorisation.

Nicholas McCarthy | 12 April | Morning. Night. And everything in-between.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert | 18 – 19 April | Wizarding. Grand. Bringing the magic to life.

Ludovico Einaudi | 1 May | Evocative. Understated. Savour the Experience.

Katherine Priddy | 1 May | Haunting. Bold. Distinctive fingerpicking and spine-tingling vocals.

The Puppini Sisters | 15 May | Sassy. Vivacious. Old-school glamour made modern.

Tinariwen | 19 May | Enthralls. Unites. Rebellious desert blues.

Anna Lapwood | 29 May | Visionary.Transcendent. Organ music reimagined for a new generation.

Imogen Cooper and Paul Lewis play Mozart | 13 June | Two Pianos. Four Hands. Unlimited enjoyment.

Postmodern Jukebox | 4 June | Vintage. Modern. A show for all generations.

Steve Reich at 90 | 2 – 4 October | Minimalism. Rhythm. Repetition.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert | 27 – 28 October | Epic. Heartfelt. Soar above the clouds.

BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse | Monthly | Fresh. Independent. Artists making waves.

About Royal Northern Sinfonia

Internationally renowned, calling Gateshead home.

37 musicians at the top of their game. Electrifying music, old and new. All the talent, determination and creativity of the North East on a worldwide stage. From their home at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Royal Northern Sinfonia share the joy and wonder of orchestral music with thousands of people across the North of England – and beyond – every year.

From symphonies to string quartets, film soundtracks to choral masses, and original performances with awesome artists from Sheku Kanneh-Mason to Self Esteem, the orchestra’s members have got one of the most varied jobs there is. They’re always looking for fresh new sounds from up-and-coming composers, inviting local communities to share a stage, and doing everything they can to inspire and prepare the musicians of tomorrow to one day take their place.

They’re also working hard to smash the barriers that can stop brilliant people getting into classical music. They’ve teamed up with national partners to support women conductors to develop their careers, to help global majority musicians get vital experience in the orchestra world, and to celebrate disabled and non-disabled musicians breaking new ground together in RNS Moves. And they bring new musical opportunities to the region, headlining the first-ever BBC Proms weekend outside London.

Because they whole-heartedly believe orchestral music is for anyone – big cities and tiny villages, brand-new babies and life-long listeners, die-hard fans and curious minds – they travel far and wide to make sure there’s top-notch classical music on offer for anyone ready to say, “I’ll give that a go”. You’ll find them in churches, castles, and community venues across the North, as well as spearheading concert seasons in Carlisle, Kendal, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland.

With 65 years of success to build on, they’ve signed a dynamic young artistic leadership – Music Director Dinis Sousa, Artistic Partner Maria Włoszczowska, Principal Guest Conductor Nil Venditti and Associate Conductor Ellie Slorach – to lead the way into a bold, bright future. They’re joined by Conductor Laureate Thomas Zehetmair.

Wherever the orchestra play and whoever they share a stage with, every performance is a chance to see, hear and feel the music.

About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.

It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.

Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.

Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows there.

More about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

• Since opening in 2004, The Glasshouse has hosted over 10,000 performances, welcoming nearly 5 million audience members and a total of 8 million visitors through its doors. It would take more than 27 years to see every show if you attended one every day.
• Over two decades, the charity has delivered around 233,000 music lessons, reaching young people and adults 2.8 million times across its education programmes (1.8 million of which were young people).
• As its resident orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia has toured globally, performing across four continents and livestreaming to audiences across five. Royal Northern Sinfonia also continues to bring world-class music to communities across the country, with 58% of performances in “levelling up for culture” areas.
• The Glasshouse has supported the careers of thousands of artists like Ward Thomas who have worked their way from free stages to headline shows in its main hall, achieving national and global recognition.
• A recent report quantified its annual social value through education, inclusion and community programmes at £14.1 million.
• Since 2004, The Glasshouse has welcomed over 400,000 delegates for conferences and events, hosting organisations such as Greggs, NHS, and British Engines. Through conferences and events it has generated £10.6 million, helping to fund the venue and support live music and education programmes.
• Over the past two decades, The Glasshouse has generated £681.2million to the UK economy with £38.6m each year in ongoing impact. It supports 700 jobs directly and indirectly.
• The iconic building, designed by Foster + Partners, has 630 panes of glass and stands 40 metres tall. In its opening year, it was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award in 2005.

Celebrating 20 years – In December 2024, The Glasshouse marked its 20th birthday. Over the next year, the charity will reflect on two decades of achievements and look ahead to its third decade, with major initiatives like the Music Academy and Music Pass for newborns, making music accessible to all.