The Hallé – The Snowman at Bridgewater Hall

The Hallé - The Snowman at The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre, 20–23 December 2019, from £17.50 - Book now

The wordless animated film of Raymon Briggs’ 1978 picture book, The Snowman, is a family classic. It was first shown on channel 4 in 1982 and has since become as much a part of Christmas tradition in the UK as mince pies and family falls outs. This Christmas Bridgewater Hall are screening The Snowman, accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s magical score live, including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air’. We can feel the chills down our spines already!

Both the book and the film have won numerous accolades over the years, including being listed as 71 on the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes list. The film has an undeniable nostalgic charm for todays parents and was produced using traditional animation techniques and was entirely hand drawn. 

The Snowman is only half the fun though! In the first half of the concert, the Hallé start the countdown to Christmas with the aliens on planet Zum-Zee. Alien Party on Planet Zum-Zee, is an animated film based on the popular picture book, Alien Tea on Planet Zum-Zee by Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees. Take your rocket to the outer edge of space and join the space party on Planet Zum-Zee! Meet the crazy characters and try their deliciously party food.  Get on the Hallé spaceship and prepare for an astonishing musical journey with big screen animation!

Ben Palmer will conduct and is one of Europe’s foremost specialists in conducting live to film. He is a regular guest conductor with the Hallé and his return is always highly anticipated.

This is a great joint programme, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit, and one of the best introductions we can think of to live orchestral music for big and little kids alike.

Approximate running time is 90 minutes.