RNCM Symphony Orchestra: La valse at RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor
String section of symphony orchestra with players all wearing concert black
Robin Clewley

RNCM Symphony Orchestra: La valse at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester 1 November 2024 Tickets from £11.00 — Book now

As part of the RNCM’s new Dance:Music theme exploring the symbiotic relationship between music and movement, the RNCM Symphony Orchestra presents a stunning programme born from dance.

When we think about symphonic dance works, classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker spring easily to mind. This programme, though, defies expectation, chartering a murkier course full of surprises and riveting unpredictability.

Enter Ravel’s La valse, “a kind of apotheosis of the Viennese waltz”, as Ravel himself described it, next to which the works of Strauss feel like a walk in the park. Full of spicy dissonances and harmonic ambiguity, La valse presents a kaleidoscope of orchestral texture as it spins through the shadowy corners of Viennese waltzes – a dark commentary on the chaos of post-World War I Europe and the remnants of a 19th century imperial society for whom the waltz was a bitter reminder of an era lost to conflict. Don’t be deceived by its elegant opening; this journey was always destined to end in a tumultuous crash – the disintegration of the waltz itself.

More tumult comes with Erik Satie’s groundbreaking Parade, which broke free from ballet’s traditional escapism when it first premièred, placing the realities of life centre stage. In his music, French enfant terrible Satie uses unconventional instruments like typewriters, sirens, and even airplane propellers to create a soundscape as jarring and innovative as the ballet itself. That ballet was the product of the greatest artistic minds Paris had to offer in 1917: Jean Cocteau, Sergei Diaghilev’s and his Ballets Russes, Pablo Picasso, Léonide Massine and of course Satie himself.

Finally, three contemporary works. Dancing to an Orange Drummer reflects Vanessa Lann’s personal challenges adapting to life in The Netherlands, capturing the distinct rhythms and energies of her new surroundings. Larry Goves’ hollow yellow willow weaves a tapestry of patterns and sadness, with themes moving through the orchestra. And lastly Paul Stanhope’s Piccolo Concerto (performed by Naomi Robinson) contrasts lyrical melodies with jagged, dance-like figures. The piccolo is, unfortunately, not blessed with a large concerto repertoire, but this brilliantly scored piece will have you wondering why.

Conducted by Clark Rundell and Benjamin Huth, the programme presents a fascinating exploration of that unique synergy between music and dance – something we’ll hear much more of as the RNCM’s Dance:Music theme comes to the fore over the next few months.

RNCM Symphony Orchestra: La valse at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester 1 November 2024 Tickets from £11.00 Book now

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
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

Where to go near RNCM Symphony Orchestra: La valse at RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo may be part of a chain, but it doesn’t feel like it. Right at the top of Oxford Road, it’s lavishly decorated and specialises in cicchetti, or Italian small plates.

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

Manchester
University
MMU Student Union

Manchester Metropolitan University Students’ Union building houses a bar and various other facilities for students and staff.

Manchester
Music venue
The Deaf Institute

The Deaf Institute is a vibrant gig venue and nightclub for which it is well worth taking a jaunt out of the Northern Quarter.

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

Culture Guides