Hallé Concert with Kahchun Wong

The evening opens with Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a work that places the soloist at the centre of its sound world. You will hear the piano weave intricate, delicate patterns against a supportive orchestral backdrop, particularly during the middle movement where the keyboard's lyrical qualities are most prominent. The second half of the concert turns to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. This is a work structured around a recurring theme representing fate, which changes character as it moves through the four movements. Listen for the famous, somber horn solo in the slow movement, which offers one of the most celebrated moments in the orchestral repertoire. The symphony builds from its dark, uncertain beginnings in the lower clarinets towards a grand and decisive conclusion. Together, these two pieces showcase the development of nineteenth-century expression, moving from the intimate, poetic piano writing of Chopin to the large-scale emotional architecture of Tchaikovsky’s symphonic writing.

The Hallé is one of the United Kingdom’s most established ensembles, based in Manchester and known for a broad symphonic repertoire that spans several centuries. For this performance, they are joined by conductor Kahchun Wong. The soloist for the Chopin concerto is pianist Tianyao Lyu. The ensemble is recognized for its commitment to high-calibre orchestral playing and its deep roots in the cultural life of Northern England. Both the guest conductor and soloist bring their specific interpretations to these cornerstones of the classical canon, supported by the orchestra's cohesive and experienced sound.

This concert takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The total running time is approximately 87 minutes, excluding any interval. With a programme consisting of two well-known and melodic masterpieces, this performance is particularly suitable if you are visiting an orchestral concert for the first time. The venue is a modern concert hall designed specifically for symphonic music. There is no formal dress code required; you should wear what makes you feel comfortable for a standard evening performance. Please check local venue information regarding arrival times.