The Romantic fervour of Brahms' Haydn Variations and Schumann's Spring Symphony brought out by Cristian Mandeal and the Hallé, plus Sophia Jaffé's glorious performance of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy.
Jonathan Scott, John Wilson and the BBC Philharmonic presented a thrilling concert of American organ solos, orchestral music and Copland's glorious Organ Symphony.
The Manchester Camerata under Alpesh Chouhan and soprano Olena Tokar welcomed the New Year with Johann Strauss favourites, five of Brahms's Hungarian Dances and a selection of arias.
A Tchaikovsky rarity conducted by talented newcomer Harish Shankar were followed by Beethoven and Rachmaninov played by established masters Stephen Hough and Mark Elder in a fine Hallé concert.
The Manchester Camerata directed by Giovanni Guzzo gave moving, entertaining and expressive pieces by Pärt, Mozart, Piazzolla and Britten with Guzzo and pianist Gabriela Montero as soloists.
The Northern Chamber Orchestra made a strong case for Haydn's Symphony No 21 and Ben Hudson gave a fine performance of Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in a historic Cheshire venue.
Tasmin Little, the BBC Philharmonic and Juanjo Mena gave a fine performance of Leonard Bernstein's Serenade with works by Britten and Beethoven, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Bernstein's death.
A joyful concert by the Manchester Camerata conducted by Gábor Takács-Nagy with Craig Ogden in music by Rossini, Chabrier, Rodrigo and Beethoven, with a few surprises along the way.
The Finnish forests, the creation of the world and a mythical hero were vividly brought to life in the opening concert of the 15th Sibelius Festival in Lahti
The Hallé was on top form in Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Sibelius with inspiring conductor Karl-Heinz Steffens, dazzling pianist Denis Kozhukhin and superb orchestral soloists.
Just occasionally a regular concert-goer experiences a performance that is truly special. When he is not anticipating this it can be an overwhelming experience. The BBC Philharmonic’s concert at the Bridgewater Hall, also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, proved to be such an experience.
