The Hallé: Easter Festival

We begin this Easter sequence with the intricate vocal counterpoint of Bach’s motet, a work that focuses on quiet devotion. The evening then transitions into the orchestral realm with Wagner’s Good Friday Music, which you will hear for its luminous, slow-burning textures and a distinct sense of natural renewal. This is contrasted immediately by the Russian Easter Overture, where you should listen for the brass-heavy fanfares and folk-inspired melodies that evoke a more boisterous celebratory atmosphere. The final part of the programme is dedicated to Sir James MacMillan’s own major choral work. In this piece, the orchestra and singers explore the final utterances of Christ through intense, sometimes jagged musical gestures and long, sustained passages of lamentation. It provides a meditative and substantial conclusion to the concert, shifting from the traditional liturgical sounds of the past into a modern, visceral soundscape that demands close attention to its shifting emotional weights.

The Hallé is one of the United Kingdom’s most storied ensembles, firmly rooted in Manchester at its purpose-built home. Known for a versatile approach that spans the standard symphonic canon and complex new commissions, the orchestra maintains a reputation for clarity and technical precision. For this performance, they are led by Sir James MacMillan. While widely recognised as one of the country’s most prominent composers, he also frequently takes to the podium to direct both his own challenging scores and the historical works that inform his musical language.

This performance takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The concert has a total running time of approximately 81 minutes, making it a relatively compact evening that avoids a very late finish. Because the programme includes a mix of short, accessible orchestral pieces and a longer, more serious contemporary work, it is well-suited to those who enjoy a structured thematic narrative. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. You will find the hall is designed specifically for acoustic music of this scale.