The Hallé: Opening Night

Kahchun Wong conductor
Sir Stephen Hough piano

Liszt Les préludes    16′
Sir James MacMillan Symphony No.6     30′
HALLÉ COMMISSION – WORLD PREMIERE
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5, ‘Emperor’    38′

Hear a deeply personal new symphony from our Featured Composer, James MacMillan, alongside Beethoven’s greatest piano concerto.

Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor Kahchun Wong and the Hallé’s opening night is an unmissable occasion. It begins with Liszt’s Les préludes which, after a tentative opening, erupts into a sumptuous melody.

James MacMillan’s Sixth Symphony remembers four close family members in musical portraits, each featuring a different section of the orchestra, before a final, fifth movement brings the whole orchestra back together. Over the season, we’re celebrating the much-loved works of this British composer and this new symphony is a major highlight.

For many Beethoven fans, his ‘Emperor’ Concerto is the best – its second movement is pure, dreamy perfection. Stephen Hough sets it aglow before carrying us into its joyful finale.

Pre-concert event at 6.30pm