The Hallé – Trail-blazing Hallé

Johnny James, Managing Editor
The Hallé

15 April — 15 July 2021 Tickets from £5 — Book now

CLAUDE DEBUSSY Prélude à l’apres-midi d’un faune
SERGEI RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
HUW WATKINS Symphony No.2 (World Premiere)

Sir Mark Elder CONDUCTOR
Stephen Hough PIANO

The Hallé’s Winter Season is packed with great concerts, but Trail-blazing Hallé promises to be a particularly special one. Conducted by Sir Mark Elder and joined by pianist Stephen Hough, the orchestra will perform the much-anticipated world premiere of Huw Watkins’ Second Symphony alongside an evergreen masterpiece by Rachmaninov and a uniquely sensuous work by Debussy.

The concert opens with Debussy’s Prélude à l’apres-midi d’un faune, which conjures a world of luxurious fantasy as the French composer evokes the dreams and desires of a faun. Drifting hazily into our consciousness and beckoning us forward with quiet, seductive power, the whole work appears to float free of form and convention as Debussy changes scenes with effortless spontaneity.

Awaking from Debussy’s dreamscape, the rest of the concert reflects the Hallé’s trail-blazing advocacy of new music. In 1935, the Hallé, with Rachmaninov himself as soloist, gave the UK premiere of his Paganini Rhapsody, renowned for the lush romanticism of its 18th variation. Now, it’s the turn of Stephen Hough, described by the Washington Post as “a virtuoso who begins where others leave off”, to offer his insight into this evergreen masterpiece, on his third visit to the Hallé.

Bringing the concert to a close is a major new work by Huw Watkins. After the first performance of Watkins’ Symphony No.1 in 2017, its immediacy made such a strong impression on Sir Mark, the Hallé musicians and audiences alike, that a recording followed as well as a further commission. In the wake of such enthusiasm, Watkins has composed his Second Symphony, which receives its world premiere here.

Broadcasting from The Bridgewater Hall, the concert – as with the Hallé’s entire Winter Season – will be available to stream on Vimeo at thehalle.vhx.tv, and tickets can be purchased via the orchestra’s website.

15 April — 15 July 2021 Tickets from £5 Book now

Where to go near The Hallé – Trail-blazing Hallé

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
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