≥PRE-CONCERT EVENTS2018–19 SEASON AT THE BRIDGEWATER HALL, MANCHESTER

Before some of the Hallé’s concerts there are specially programmed events, which range from discussions focussing on an aspect of that evening’s programme to foyer performances.

The events start at 6.30pm and are free to concert ticket holders.

Thursday 20 September Lyn Fletcher and Nicholas Trygstad in conversation

The Hallé Leader, Lyn Fletcher and cello section leader Nicholas Trygstad discuss their roles within the Orchestra, and take questions from the audience.

Saturday 29 September ‘What Star Wars Means To Me’

Join our presenter and ardent Star Wars fan Tom Redmond in the auditorium for a lively and informal debate!

Thursday 25 October RNCM piano duo perform Debussy, Brahms and Schubert

Piano duo Jared Louis Perera and Fruzsina Szucs – talented musicians from the RNCM School of Keyboard Studies – provide a prelude to tonight’s concert with performances of works for quatre-main: Debussy’s Marche écossaise sur un thème populaire, Brahms’s Waltzes No.3 and No. 11 and Schubert’s Fantasie D940.

Saturday 3 November The Hallé Goes to Nashville

Enjoy some pre-concert foyer entertainment from musicians of the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) Popular Music course.

Thursday 15 November Professor Pauline Fairclough on Shostakovich

Professor Fairclough, a cultural historian and Shostakovich expert, joins us from the University of Bristol to introduce Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony and its influence on the musical landscape.

Saturday 24 November Giants of Jazz – Take Two

Enjoy some pre-concert foyer entertainment from musicians of the RNCM Popular Music course.

Thursday 29 November Peter Hill on The Rite of Spring

Pianist, writer and broadcaster Peter Hill introduces the evening’s programme focussing on Stravinsky’s extraordinary Rite of Spring.

Sunday 30 December ABBA!

Pre-concert foyer entertainment from musicians of the RNCM Popular Music course.

Saturday 2 February The Magical Music of Harry Potter

Make sure you don’t miss the magical activity in the foyer before the concert – but hush, it’s a school secret!

Thursday 28 February John Summers and John Casken in conversation

Hallé Chief Executive John Summers is joined by composer John Casken to talk about the evening’s world premiere Madonna of Silence.

Thursday 21 March Geoffrey Owen on Nielsen, and a performance by the Hallé Youth Orchestra

Geoffrey Owen, the Hallé’s Head of Artistic Planning, discusses Carl Nielsen and his Symphony No.5, followed by a performance of Nielsen’s Little Suite for Strings by members of the Hallé Youth Orchestra.

Thursday 4 April Sir Mark Elder

Sir Mark Elder joins us for a special pre-concert talk which focusses on the evening’s programme and the remarkable work of Hector Berlioz.

Thursday 2 May Simon Webb and Sir James MacMillan in conversation

We are delighted to welcome the BBC Philharmonic to our Thursday Series. Tonight, the BBC Philharmonic’s General Manager Simon Webb is joined by composer Sir James MacMillan to discuss his Fourth Symphony.

Saturday 25 May Epic Fantasies

Enjoy some pre-concert foyer entertainment from musicians of the RNCM Popular Music course.

Saturday 8 June The Lark Ascending

A rare opportunity to hear the Hallé Choir perform a selection of British a capella music on The Bridgewater Hall stage.