Pops season ends with a flourish

Halle Orchestra Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

THE Halle Orchestra rounded off its 2013/14 Pops season with a flourish as the orchestra, under Bury-born conductor Stephen Bell, and singers Killian Donnelly and Louise Dearman cantered through songs from hit West End musicals.

Killian’s spine-tingling voice was superb in Les Miserables’ “Stars” and “Bring Him Home.”

He has played both Javert and Jean Valjean in the West End production of “Les Miserables,” so it wasn’t surprising he did both songs justice.

He was potentially a difficult act to follow, but Louise - also a musical theatre performer - did just that with songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Singing’ In The Rain and Phantom of the Opera”

The evening began with orchestral snippets from a whole range of musicals, setting the scene for a fabulous evening ahead.

It was a privilege to see so much talent on one stage. Long may the Pops seasons continue.