The Best of Motown

This performance reinterprets the driving rhythms and vocal hooks of the Detroit soul era for a full symphonic setting. You will hear the familiar melodies of tracks like My Girl and Stop! In the Name of Love, but the traditional backing bands are replaced by the layered textures of the orchestra. The evening is structured around high-energy hits, including Dancing in the Street and Proud Mary, alongside more reflective numbers such as What Becomes of the Broken Hearted. Listen for how the brass section takes over the punchy riffs originally played by session horns, and how the string section adds a cinematic scale to the soaring choruses of Ain't No Mountain High Enough. The programme balances rhythmic drive with harmonic richness, providing a fresh perspective on songs that have become part of the global pop fabric while retaining the soulful core of the original compositions.

The Hallé, Manchester’s resident symphony orchestra, is joined by conductor Michael England for this programme. Known for their versatility beyond the standard classical canon, the ensemble brings technical precision to diverse musical genres. They are accompanied by soloists Gloria Onitiri and Trevor Dion Nicholas, both of whom have established strong reputations for their vocal work on the West End stage. Together, the performers combine the disciplines of professional orchestral playing with the power and stage presence required for large-scale vocal arrangements of chart-topping soul and R&B music.

The performance takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in the centre of Manchester. With a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, it represents a substantial evening of music that remains accessible to those who may not regularly attend orchestral concerts. The familiarity of the repertoire makes this an excellent entry point for first-time visitors to the hall. There is no specific dress code for this event, and the venue offers a modern concert environment. You should note the duration when planning your travel for the evening.