New Principal Conductor leads The Hallé orchestra into a bold new era of musical excellence

As Manchester’s cultural heartbeat pulses to the rhythm of its incredible arts scene, few institutions have carried the city’s creative legacy quite like the Hallé Orchestra. 

With its new season starting tomorrow, the city is buzzing with anticipation as a new musical chapter begins under the baton of Kahchun Wong. 

Stepping into the prestigious role of Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, the Singaporean maestro has already won over the hearts of musicians and audiences alike with his thoughtful approach to music-making.

Now, as Kahchun prepares for his inaugural season, we sat down to learn more about his journey to Manchester, his vision for the orchestra and the profound connection he has already formed with the Hallé.

Kahchun Wong – The Halle’s new Principal Conductor

Kahchun Wong’s appointment as Principal Conductor marks a significant moment in the Hallé’s history. 

Following the long and distinguished tenure of Sir Mark Elder, Kahchun brings a fresh perspective while honouring the orchestra’s storied past. 

Reflecting on what drew him to Manchester and the Hallé, Kahchun spoke warmly of the immediate bond he felt with the orchestra.

“The Hallé occupies a very special place in the world of classical music,” he said.

“It is an arts institution with a distinguished history. I felt a very special chemistry with the orchestra from our very first meeting, and this mutual feeling of making beauty through music together has motivated us to deepen our relationship further.”

Kahchun’s enthusiasm for the Hallé is palpable. 

He described that initial connection not just in terms of musicianship but as a shared sense of purpose — an alignment of values that goes beyond the notes on the page. 

It is this foundation of trust and mutual respect that he believes will help the orchestra reach new heights.

Curating a season of masterpieces

Each concert for Kahchun’s debut season has been carefully curated to reflect not only the orchestra’s heritage but also his own deep love for the classical repertoire. 

As he explained, his approach to programming took inspiration from the orchestra’s founder, Charles Hallé, who was known for blending classic masterpieces with new works by contemporary composers.

“We looked at the programmes of Charles Hallé in the founding years of the Hallé, and I was personally inspired by his eye for great masterpieces alongside very visible championing of new works by composers of his time,” Kahchun said. 

“We bring this signature into our first season as well. Above all, it’s chock full of life-changing and life-affirming works which are favourites of mine.”

Just a few of the incredible highlights of the season include Mahler’s towering Resurrection Symphony (Thu 16 Jan, 2025)  and Beethoven’s joyous Ode to Joy (Thu 29 May, 2025).

Each piece, according to Kahchun, is chosen with the audience in mind — a way to engage both seasoned concertgoers and those experiencing the magic of live orchestral music for the first time.

The art of conducting

Known for his sincere and warm conducting style, Kahchun’s approach to leading the Hallé is rooted in both meticulous preparation and a genuine connection with the musicians. 

He spoke of the countless hours spent studying scores, understanding not only the music itself but the cultural and historical contexts in which it was written. This, however, is just the beginning.

“The solitary part is done alone at a desk,” he explained. 

“Afterwards, the fun comes when we actually rehearse and make music together in a performance. 

“I have great respect for the musicians, who are all experts of their instruments, and I am often reminded of the Japanese ‘shokunin damashi’ — the spirit of mastery you see in sushi chefs, kimono makers, or carpenters.”

Kahchun believes that this philosophy applies to the orchestra as well.

The Hallé’s performances, he hopes, will be greater than the sum of their parts, with each musician bringing their unique artistry to the collective whole. 

“That only happens when every performer in the orchestra feels the trust to share their most genuine and sincerest music-making” he added.

The power of live music

In an age of instant digital content and virtual entertainment, Kahchun remains a passionate advocate for the power of live performance. 

For those who have never experienced a live orchestra, he offered a compelling invitation to discover the emotional and transformative power of classical music.

“Imagine 70 to 100 musicians on stage, playing something quite loud and fast in one moment, and then giving you goosebumps by playing something unbelievably tender in the next,” he said.

“In the same way that we all look for emotional catharsis when we go to the cinema, I search for a similar experience at the orchestral concert hall.”

Drawing comparisons to epic cinematic experiences like The Lord of the Rings, Kahchun explained that orchestral masterpieces often evoke the same sweeping emotions. 

“I would only perform something that I would pay to attend myself,” he smiled.

Building a future in Manchester

While his musical journey has already taken him across the world, Kahchun is excited about what lies ahead in Manchester. 

As a newcomer to the city, he has been struck by the energy and creativity that define its arts scene, from the Hallé’s own concerts to the rich variety of choirs, brass bands, contemporary music, and educational programmes.

“I have discovered that I am now part of a truly vibrant arts community in this city,” he said. “There is already so much high-quality music-making here, whether it’s specifically in our choirs, our brass bands, the contemporary music scene, or in music education.”

Kahchun’s discovery of Manchester continues to inspire him, and he hinted that some of his ideas for the future are still in the making. 

However, one thing is clear: his commitment to the Hallé is as much about the future as it is about the present. 

He approaches every concert, he said, as though it were “the very last performance on Earth.”

With such devotion to both the music and the city, Kahchun is ready to lead the Hallé into a new era — one filled with passion, innovation, and a deep respect for the audience and the musicians.

An invitation to the Hallé

As the Hallé’s 2024-25 season unfolds, Kahchun Wong’s impact is already being felt.

His blend of careful preparation, warmth, and genuine love for music promises to make this season unforgettable for both the orchestra and its audiences.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of classical music or someone attending your very first concert, Kahchun and the Hallé invite you to share in the joy and excitement of live performance. 

With each concert carefully crafted to offer something unique, Manchester audiences are in for a musical journey that will resonate long after the final note is played.

You can find out what The Hallé is performing by clicking here