A new episode of the Sounds series Hidden Manchester explores how the venue represents the city’s history with classical music.
Bolt explained that the Hallé had played a particularly important role in the hall’s origin.
“When it was decided that a new home (for the Hallé) was something important to put together, the building was constructed as part of an urban redevelopment project,” he said.
“We’re delighted to have such a close relationship. We look forward to another 30 years!”
Musicologist Stacy Jarvis has studied Manchester’s musical history.
She said artists had been travelling to the city to perform since as early as the 1820s.
“It was like Oasis today – they had to perform here,” explained Jarvis.
“Every band that we know today has to perform in Manchester. It was a must.”
She said Manchester’s music was just as important to its history as its famous industrial past.
“Manchester’s extraordinary industrial growth created the wealth and population that helped its musical culture flourish,” she said.
“Manchester was deciding what kind of cultural city it wanted to be.
“Bridgewater Hall became a part of that identity.”