The Hallé – Symphonie fantastique at The Bridgewater Hall

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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The Hallé - Symphonie fantastique

The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre
16-22 May 2019

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

The Hallé
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Marking the end of the Hallé’s Opus One Series, this exciting concert features Berlioz’ best-known and admired work, Symphonie fantastique. Full of the passions and dreams, fantasies and phantoms of the most creative mind in French 19th century music, it’s an enchanting work. Perhaps the most personal symphony ever composed, it’s a piece of program music in which Berlioz traverses the pains of his unrequited love for Irish actress Harriet Smithson, with whom the composer became obsessed after seeing her play Ophelia in Hamlet in 1827. Its five movements play host to five different opium dreams that a young artist (Berlioz himself) experiences. From the volatile opening movement to the nightmarish closing one, this is a passionately inspired work, and a thrilling ride.

Joining Symphonie fantastique in this programme is Bedrich Smetana’s folk-opera, Overture: The Bartered Bride. This is a huge favourite in the concert hall and a brilliantly virtuosic show-piece for the Hallé Orchestra. Its explosive joy is comparable with that of Mozart’s overture in Marriage of Figaro. Bursting through the silence in whirlwind fashion, it’s a thrilling romp which perfectly sets the tone for the comedic three-act opera which follows. Written before the full opera, its ebullient seven minutes make for a strong standalone concert piece. It will be a joy to hear the Hallé show off its virtuosity as Smetana’s life-enhancing Overture races to its brilliant conclusion.

Speaking of strong starts, Dvorák’s Violin Concerto presents, perhaps, the most beautiful beginnings of all violin concertos. Continuing the rustic Czech mood set out by Smetana, this piece also allows its performers to really shine. Interpreted at this concert by Simone Lamsma, Dvorák’s solo writing utilises the violin’s inherent lyricism, with compelling melodies that soar with radiance. Generally lively in temperament, the concerto is made up of three movements, the first two of which are connected. These are by turns brooding and animated, whereas the finale is a joyful expression of vitality, inspired by the furiant, a Czech folk dance. Considered one of the masterpieces of Dvorák’s so-called Slavic period, it displays the composer’s instrumental mastery, and tops off a wonderful programme at The Bridgewater Hall.

What's on at The Bridgewater Hall

Walking Tour Stock imagery
Until
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 – Symphonie fantastique 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.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

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

Manchester
Restaurant
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
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

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

Manchester
Restaurant
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
Restaurant
Jaan

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

City Centre
Restaurant
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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