Northern Chamber Orchestra with Ben Hulme, horn at The Stoller Hall

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Northern Chamber Orchestra with Ben Hulme, horn at The Stoller Hall, Manchester 24 April 2022 Tickets from £5.50 — Book now

Ben Hulme, Principal Horn of the BBC Philharmonic, joins the Northern Chamber Orchestra for a concert including Richard Strauss’ First Horn Concerto at The Stoller Hall on 24 April.

Born and raised in Manchester, Ben Hulme studied at Chetham’s School of Music, and latterly as a Sir Elton John Scholar at the Royal Academy of Music. It was while still an undergraduate in London that he was offered the principal job at the BBC Philharmonic – a pretty remarkable achievement, even more so considering he’s also a founding member of the London Metropolitan Brass Quintet, a Director of Music at St Mark’s Hamilton Terrace, and an in-demand soloist with orchestras all over the UK.

Together with the Northern Chamber Orchestra – the oldest professional chamber ensemble in the North West – he’ll perform Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1, penned by the German composer when he was just a teenager. At such an early age, Strauss already displays a remarkable mastery for the instrument’s possibilities, with one foot in classic structure and the other in romantic lyricism. This must be due, at least in part, to his father being a horn virtuoso, and the Principal Horn of the Munich Court Orchestra. Aptly, Strauss’ First Horn Concerto was written as an ode to his father, on his 60th birthday.

Ben Hulme

 

Before the concerto, we’ll hear Waltz: Wine, women and song by Johann Strauss II – one of the Viennese composer’s finest waltzes, featuring his most substantial and impressive introduction. A particular favourite with Richard Wagner, it’s a majestic and uplifting work – and a great opener. Next comes Welsh composer Adrienne Spilsbury’s Eyebright (2019), inspired by visits to wildflower meadows in Cheshire, which led to reflections on our inter-connections with the natural world. Written for 12 solo strings, the piece contains some beautifully atmospheric writing – very much in the great English string tradition.

To close, it’s Mendelssohn’s exhilarating Symphony No. 4, named the Italian Symphony because it was intended to evoke the sights and sounds of Italy. It’s another early offering – Mendelssohn was only 22 when he wrote it – and another that displays precocious mastery. Its final movement in particular, which draws heavily on Italian folk music, is regarded among the most strongly dramatic music the composer ever penned – a wild, swirling, energetic composition that promises a thrilling conclusion to this Stoller Hall concert.

The concert forms part of the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s stunning 2021-22 season, which sees performances across the North West, including a night with Australian guitarist, Craig Ogden on 22 May.

Northern Chamber Orchestra with Ben Hulme, horn at The Stoller Hall, Manchester 24 April 2022 Tickets from £5.50 Book now

What's on at The Stoller Hall

Musician Elijah Fox at the piano
MusicManchester
Elijah Fox at The Stoller Hall

This autumn, join The Stoller Hall for a solo piano performance from world-renowned multi-instrumentalist and producer, Elijah Fox.

from £22.50

Where to go near Northern Chamber Orchestra with Ben Hulme, horn at The Stoller Hall

Virgin Red Room
Manchester
Virgin Red Room

The Virgin Red Room is a new private members space located at Manchester’s AO Arena, with VIP access to some of the city’s biggest gigs.

Manchester
Restaurant
Chish & Fips

A special kind of Japanese-inspired fish and chip shop, from the team behind the incredible (and sadly-missed) Umezushi restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Kitchen In An Arch

An offshoot from the much-loved Umezushi, this specialist deli is a one-stop-shop for all your sushi making needs, and also hosts occasional workshops to improve your culinary skills.

Chetham’s Library in Long Millgate in Manchester
Manchester
Library
Chetham’s Library

Chetham’s Library is one of the must-sees of any visit to Manchester. The library was founded in 1653, and is the oldest public library in the world – but the building dates back even further, to 1421.

Cathedral Quarter
Place of worship
Manchester Cathedral

A regular venue for gigs and one-off cultural events, Manchester Cathedral is nevertheless a working place of worship – open all year round.

Cathedral Quarter
Restaurant
Mamucium

High-class restaurant next to Victoria Station in Manchester, and attached to Hotel Indigo. Famed for steaks.

Manchester
Event venue
Festa Italiana

The 2022 Festa Italiana was a roaring success, with great food options and captivating live music performances throughout the weekend.

Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Quarter
Park
Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre, located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.

The National Football Museum Manchester
Manchester
Museum
National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is now open to the public, ready to show off its impressive array of football-related exhibits and activities.

What's on: Music

Ramona Live
Until
Food and DrinkAncoats
Ramona Live at Ramona

Every Thursday, Ramona’s MOT Station plays host to a specially curated roster of touring bands, local artists and resident performers. All live, all free entry, all the time.

free entry
three musicians wearing white and performing with string instruments
Until
MusicManchester
Inspirational Artists at RNCM

The RNCM launches its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

from £12.50
Until
ActivityManchester
Beyond the Music 2024

Hear directly from the people powering the music industry in both Manchester and the UK, as well as witnessing some of the North’s upcoming talent at Beyond the Music.

from £16.75
Female with white suit sitting on piano stool singing
MusicManchester
RNCM Autumn Season

From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s Autumn Season.

from £8

Culture Guides