British Iconoclasts

We begin with the meditative stillness of William Byrd’s choral writing, which provides the thematic anchor for this afternoon of string-led music. You will hear how modern composers respond to this heritage, particularly in Edmund Finnis’s contemporary reflection on Byrd’s work. The centrepiece of the first half is Benjamin Britten’s setting of Rimbaud’s poetry, a song cycle that requires both agility and intense focus from the solo tenor. Listen for the way the strings shimmer beneath the vocal line, shifting between brilliant light and darker shadows. The programme also features the rhythmic vitality of Errollyn Wallen and a new folk-inspired lament by Tom Coult, before concluding with Michael Tippett’s complex, interwoven tribute to the Baroque era. The evening is shaped to showcase the versatility of the string orchestra, moving from the seventeenth century to the present day through a lens of distinctively British lyricism and texture.

The BBC Philharmonic is a cornerstone of the musical life of the North, based at MediaCityUK but frequently appearing at prestigious venues across Manchester. Known for their versatile recording schedule and regular broadcasts, they are joined here by director and violinist Zoë Beyers. She leads the ensemble alongside tenor Guy Cutting, a singer particularly recognised for his clarity and sensitive approach to text. Together, they bring a programme that highlights the ensemble's reputation for championing both the core British repertoire and significant new commissions by living composers.

This performance takes place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. With a total duration of two hours, it is a substantial concert that offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of British string music. The venue provides an intimate acoustic setting for this type of programme, which is well-suited to regular concert-goers and those new to modern classical music alike. There is no specific dress code for this event. For the Britten song cycle, the text is traditionally performed in French, though you can expect printed translations to be available in the programme.