Explosive start to new season

Halle orchestra, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.


THE Halle Orchestra’s new season of Thursday night concerts burst into life with a display of musical fireworks.

Stravinsky’s rarely-played four minute piece of the same name, last played in the Bridgewater Hall 15 years ago, was the start of a popular season.

Halle music director Sir Mark Elder held both audience and musicians in the palm of his hand.

One of the first-half performers was rising cello star Alisa Weilerstein, whose passionate performance left the audience in no doubt why she has attracted worldwide attention.

The second half of the concert featured Holst’s perennial favourite, the Planets Suite.

The women of the Halle Choir produced an ethereally-appropriate fade in the famous final “Neptune” drift away intosilence — but not before the power of Mars and jollity of Jupiter.

Sir Mark welcomed pupils from three Manchester primary schools as part of the Adopt-a-Player scheme, which sends a player out to schools across Greater Manchester, including Oldham, to inspire and work with youngsters, culminating in a public performance for family and visitors.

It was a wonderfully energetic concert pointing the way to an enjoyable season ahead.