The Hallé – Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony at The Bridgewater Hall

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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The Hallé - Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony

The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre
28 February 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Hallé
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The centrepiece of this concert at The Bridgewater Hall is Sergei Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, which was composed in the summer of 1944. Though the Second World War was still raging at the time, this work captures the optimism and dynamism of the Soviet industrial age. Shortly after the symphony’s conception, Prokofiev said in a statement that he intended it as a “a hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit.” Classic Prokofiev both in substance and style, the work is a triumph – the zenith of his Soviet years. It fully encapsulates the composer’s enormous gift for melody and colour, standing up against his famed ballet scores, Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBY5Mb90_lw

Also in this programme is Mozart’s Symphony No. 31, better known as his ‘Paris’ symphony. One of the composer’s most popular symphonies, it was composed in 1778 during an unsuccessful job hunt in Paris. “I hope that even these idiots will find something in it to like”, the self-assured 22-year-old composer wrote of his Parisian audience. Indeed they did. Written to please the everyman, the symphony was immediately popular, with a celebrated public premiere at the Concert Spirituel. One crowd-pleasing aspect of the work was its unusually large instrumentation. At this time Mozart had at his disposal a large orchestra in Paris, which he utilised to its fullest in one of the grandest and most thrilling opening movements that he would ever write.

In addition to these two works, this concert will feature a world premiere of a new work by John Casken. Following the successful premiere of Casken’s oboe concerto Apollinaire’s Bird in 2014, the series of commissions for Hallé wind soloists continues with Madonna of Silence, written for the Hallé’s Principal Trombone, Katy Jones. Casken is one of the UK’s leading composers, and a prolific writer for a wide variety of ensembles. “Windswept, dreamy, turbulent, melancholic and painterly” are some adjectives that Casken uses to describe his music. In this new piece, his craftsmanship, musical imagination and mastery of instrumental writing will no doubt once again thrill The Bridgewater Hall.

What's on at The Bridgewater Hall

Walking Tour Stock imagery
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ActivityCity Centre
The Manchester Music Walkabout

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.

From £25.00

Where to go near The Hallé – Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony at The Bridgewater Hall

City Centre
Hotel
The Midland Hotel

With 312 luxurious bedrooms, the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel occupies one of the most beautiful and storied buildings in Manchester.

Manchester
Restaurant
Midland Tea Room

Dating back to 1903, Manchester’s stately Midland Hotel now has its own dedicated tea room. Expect traditional offerings in elegant surroundings.

Society Manchester
City Centre
Society Manchester

Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with five street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.

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Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

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Don Giovanni

Traditional Italian restaurant, serving everything from pizza to steak. All this in a large modern venue with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
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Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

Manchester
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Exhibition

Exhibition hosts three of the city’s most celebrated independent kitchens: Osma, Baratxuri, and Jaan by Another Hand.

City Centre
Restaurant
ONDA Pasta Bar

ONDA is a treat for the tastebuds. Long dark wood tables are shared by eager diners, as tapas-style plates of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes are ferried around the restaurant.

Manchester
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Jaan

Serving up exceptional Persian cuisine, this new food concept from the team behind Another Hand is a must-try.

City Centre
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Nudo Sushi Box

Nudo Sushi Box on Manchester’s Oxford Road specialises in freshly-prepared boxes of – you guessed it – sushi.

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