Chamber Series: Thomas Adès

We are set for a varied evening exploring modern textures and historical echoes, with Thomas Adès leading a programme that places his own chamber compositions alongside works by Ravel and Berg. You will hear how Adès engages with vocal traditions in his Three Songs from William Shakespeare, as well as a concert suite from his opera The Tempest. The selection also features his Harpsichord Concerto, a piece that brings an old-world instrument into a contemporary harmonic landscape. Alongside these, the ensemble performs Ravel’s Chansons madécasses and Berg’s Vier Stücke. As you listen, we suggest paying attention to the way the harpsichord interacts with the larger ensemble and the distinct vocal character required for the Shakespearean settings. The inclusion of the work Low provides a further look at Adès's instrumental range. The evening is shaped to showcase how these twentieth-century and contemporary pieces communicate through shared ideas of instrumental colour and lyrical intensity.

Musicians from the Hallé are joined for this performance by soprano Anna Dennis and clarinettist Matthew Hunt. Based in Manchester, the Hallé is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most respected symphonic organisations, known for its versatility in both large-scale orchestral works and smaller chamber settings. Thomas Adès takes the podium to conduct his own music, a role he is frequently invited to perform with leading ensembles worldwide. Anna Dennis is recognised for her clarity and precision in contemporary vocal repertoire, while Matthew Hunt is a prominent chamber musician known for his collaborative approach to modern scores.

This performance takes place at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester, a restored former church that offers an intimate acoustic setting for chamber music. The total duration is approximately 120 minutes. The venue provides a focused environment for listening, though you should note that no specific dress code is required. Given the mix of vocal and instrumental works, it is well-suited if you enjoy exploring how different musical textures work together in a smaller space. All works will be performed in their original languages, and the city-centre location is easily accessible for those attending from across the region.