BBC Philharmonic Season Brochure

2012/2013 Bridgewater Hall Season bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Contents Season at a glance Concert listings Sibelius Symphony Cycle About the BBC Philharmonic BBC Philharmonic Learning How to book and ticket information Getting to The Bridgewater Hall Eating and Drinking at The Bridgewater Hall

J uanjo Mena, Chief Conductor BBC Philharmonic “ This season I’d like to take you on a journey that’s very close to my heart, as I explore some of my favourite orchestral music with the BBC Philharmonic.

Music-making must embrace an audience and transport them to somewhere new.

We’d like to create new musical experiences for you, our audience.

I am excited to have the opportunity to share my passion for Mahler, Wagner, Bruckner and Bach; four composers whose works were a very important part of my formative musical experiences. Bartók’s The Wooden Prince, which we perform in January, is particularly special to me as my first performance of this piece was a key moment in cementing my relationship with the BBC Philharmonic. And in May we perform perhaps the greatest ballet score ever written; Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, 100 years after its controversial first performance.”

Chief Conductor

Juanjo Mena

Principal Guest Conductor Composer/Conductor Conductor Laureate Conductor Emeritus Conductor Emeritus

John Storgårds HK Gruber Gianandrea Noseda Vassily Sinaisky Yan Pascal Tortelier

02.

03.

16.

19.

20.

21.

24.

25.

For more information about the BBC Philharmonic Email philharmonic@bbc.co.uk Telephone 0161 836 1300 Sign up to our newsletter at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic For up-to-date news and opinions follow us on Twitter @bbcphilharmonic or find us on facebook.com/bbcphilharmonic

Credits Design & Art Direction: R aw — weareraw.co.uk Photography: Andrew Brooks — andrewbrooksphotography.com

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Contents Season at a glance Concert listings Sibelius Symphony Cycle About the BBC Philharmonic BBC Philharmonic Learning How to book and ticket information Getting to The Bridgewater Hall Eating and Drinking at The Bridgewater Hall

J uanjo Mena, Chief Conductor BBC Philharmonic “ This season I’d like to take you on a journey that’s very close to my heart, as I explore some of my favourite orchestral music with the BBC Philharmonic.

Music-making must embrace an audience and transport them to somewhere new.

We’d like to create new musical experiences for you, our audience.

I am excited to have the opportunity to share my passion for Mahler, Wagner, Bruckner and Bach; four composers whose works were a very important part of my formative musical experiences. Bartók’s The Wooden Prince, which we perform in January, is particularly special to me as my first performance of this piece was a key moment in cementing my relationship with the BBC Philharmonic. And in May we perform perhaps the greatest ballet score ever written; Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, 100 years after its controversial first performance.”

Chief Conductor

Juanjo Mena

Principal Guest Conductor Composer/Conductor Conductor Laureate Conductor Emeritus Conductor Emeritus

John Storgårds HK Gruber Gianandrea Noseda Vassily Sinaisky Yan Pascal Tortelier

02.

03.

16.

19.

20.

21.

24.

25.

For more information about the BBC Philharmonic Email philharmonic@bbc.co.uk Telephone 0161 836 1300 Sign up to our newsletter at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic For up-to-date news and opinions follow us on Twitter @bbcphilharmonic or find us on facebook.com/bbcphilharmonic

Credits Design & Art Direction: R aw — weareraw.co.uk Photography: Andrew Brooks — andrewbrooksphotography.com

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Season at a glance

Saturday 29 September, 7.30pm

2012

2013

Saturday 29 September, 7.30pm

Saturday 12 January, 7.30pm

Wagner

Arvo Pärt, Britten & Beethoven

Friday 12 October, 7.30pm

Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm

Mozart & Mahler

Oliver Knussen, Korngold & Bartók

Saturday 27 October, 7.30pm

Friday 1 February, 7.30pm

Sibelius, Beethoven & Nielsen

Stravinsky, Kimmo Hakola & Tobias Broström

Saturday 3 November, 7.30pm

Verdi, Prokofiev & Casella Friday 16 November, 7.30pm

Bach & Bruckner Friday 23 November, 7.30pm

Dvorˇák, Chopin & Schmidt Friday 30 November, 7.30pm

George Benjamin,Haydn & Dvorˇák

Friday 15 February, 7.30pm

Beethoven, Mozart & Schubert Friday 22 February, 7.30pm

Rossini, Prokofiev & Stravinsky Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm

James MacMillan, Britten & Stravinsky Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm

Janácˇek, Ravel & Stravinsky Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm

Elgar, Delius & Vaughan Williams Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Saturday 13 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius 02.

Wagner

Juanjo Mena Brigitte Hahn

Tannhäuser – overture 15’

Richard Wagner didn’t just write operas, he was a creator of new worlds. In this opening concert, Chief Conductor Juanjo Mena and acclaimed Wagnerian soprano Brigitte Hahn surrender to his power three times over. From the passion of Wagner’s Tannhäuser overture and the whispered secrets of his sensuous Wesendonck Lieder, to the apocalyptic final scenes of Götterdämmerung where a woman’s heart redeems the world, this is epic music to overwhelm and inspire.

Wesendonck Lieder

21’

Götterdämmerung – 41’ Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey; Siegfried’s Funeral Music; Immolation Scene

Conductor Soprano

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Season at a glance

Saturday 29 September, 7.30pm

2012

2013

Saturday 29 September, 7.30pm

Saturday 12 January, 7.30pm

Wagner

Arvo Pärt, Britten & Beethoven

Friday 12 October, 7.30pm

Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm

Mozart & Mahler

Oliver Knussen, Korngold & Bartók

Saturday 27 October, 7.30pm

Friday 1 February, 7.30pm

Sibelius, Beethoven & Nielsen

Stravinsky, Kimmo Hakola & Tobias Broström

Saturday 3 November, 7.30pm

Verdi, Prokofiev & Casella Friday 16 November, 7.30pm

Bach & Bruckner Friday 23 November, 7.30pm

Dvorˇák, Chopin & Schmidt Friday 30 November, 7.30pm

George Benjamin,Haydn & Dvorˇák

Friday 15 February, 7.30pm

Beethoven, Mozart & Schubert Friday 22 February, 7.30pm

Rossini, Prokofiev & Stravinsky Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm

James MacMillan, Britten & Stravinsky Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm

Janácˇek, Ravel & Stravinsky Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm

Elgar, Delius & Vaughan Williams Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Saturday 13 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius 02.

Wagner

Juanjo Mena Brigitte Hahn

Tannhäuser – overture 15’

Richard Wagner didn’t just write operas, he was a creator of new worlds. In this opening concert, Chief Conductor Juanjo Mena and acclaimed Wagnerian soprano Brigitte Hahn surrender to his power three times over. From the passion of Wagner’s Tannhäuser overture and the whispered secrets of his sensuous Wesendonck Lieder, to the apocalyptic final scenes of Götterdämmerung where a woman’s heart redeems the world, this is epic music to overwhelm and inspire.

Wesendonck Lieder

21’

Götterdämmerung – 41’ Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey; Siegfried’s Funeral Music; Immolation Scene

Conductor Soprano

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Friday 12 October, 7.30pm

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19, K459

28’

Mahler Symphony No. 5

68’

Juanjo Mena Steven Osborne

Saturday 27 October, 7.30pm

Sibelius

Conductor Piano

The Wood Nymph

'A symphony must be like the world', declared Gustav Mahler.

'It must embrace everything!' His tremendous Fifth Symphony does exactly that: from winter storms to roof-raising triumph.

At the heart of it all is the exquisite Adagietto, Mahler’s impassioned love letter to his young wife. It is a musical experience to touch the heart and shake the soul. When Juanjo and the BBC Philharmonic performed Mahler’s 'Resurrection' Symphony last year, The Times wrote that 'the BBC Philharmonic... reached true glory in the finale, brilliantly navigated by Mena.'

The timeless grace of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19 completes the programme, performed by one of Britain’s foremost pianists, Steven Osborne.

26’

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, ‘Emperor’

38’

Nielsen Symphony No. 2, ‘The Four Temperaments’

27’

John Storgårds Martin Roscoe

Conductor Piano

Carl Nielsen lived life to the full and his Second Symphony is certainly testament to that: it is a red-blooded picture of human nature seen from all sides, bursting with great tunes and the brisk, sunlit freshness of a spring morning in the Danish countryside.

It is the exuberant finale to a concert that begins with Sibelius’s magical saga of the Finnish forests and features pianist Martin Roscoe in Beethoven’s mighty 'Emperor' Concerto. Energy, fantasy and untamed inspiration.

Post-Concert Performance Martin Roscoe performs Beethoven piano sonatas in the main auditorium.

Saturday 3 November, 7.30pm

Verdi The Sicilian Vespers – 9’ overture

Piano Concertos 15’& 24’ Nos. 1 and 4

Casella

04.

John Bradbury Principal Clarinet

Conductor Piano

Preview 6.30pm Gianandrea Noseda in conversation with the BBC Philharmonic’s General Manager, Richard Wigley.

Prokofiev

Symphony No. 3

Gianandrea Noseda Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

44’

Award-winning pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet makes his Bridgewater Hall debut to get under the skin of Prokofiev’s ferocious piano concertos. Tonight he performs not just the youthful First Concerto, but the sensational Fourth too, written to be played with just the left hand. Conductor Laureate Gianandrea Noseda begins the evening with Verdi’s melodramatic overture before introducing a real undiscovered treasure. Imagine Puccini, Mahler and Prokofiev thrown together with a twist of Italian zest and you’ll realise why we’re so excited to share Casella’s Third Symphony with you.

05.

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Friday 12 October, 7.30pm

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19, K459

28’

Mahler Symphony No. 5

68’

Juanjo Mena Steven Osborne

Saturday 27 October, 7.30pm

Sibelius

Conductor Piano

The Wood Nymph

'A symphony must be like the world', declared Gustav Mahler.

'It must embrace everything!' His tremendous Fifth Symphony does exactly that: from winter storms to roof-raising triumph.

At the heart of it all is the exquisite Adagietto, Mahler’s impassioned love letter to his young wife. It is a musical experience to touch the heart and shake the soul. When Juanjo and the BBC Philharmonic performed Mahler’s 'Resurrection' Symphony last year, The Times wrote that 'the BBC Philharmonic... reached true glory in the finale, brilliantly navigated by Mena.'

The timeless grace of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19 completes the programme, performed by one of Britain’s foremost pianists, Steven Osborne.

26’

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, ‘Emperor’

38’

Nielsen Symphony No. 2, ‘The Four Temperaments’

27’

John Storgårds Martin Roscoe

Conductor Piano

Carl Nielsen lived life to the full and his Second Symphony is certainly testament to that: it is a red-blooded picture of human nature seen from all sides, bursting with great tunes and the brisk, sunlit freshness of a spring morning in the Danish countryside.

It is the exuberant finale to a concert that begins with Sibelius’s magical saga of the Finnish forests and features pianist Martin Roscoe in Beethoven’s mighty 'Emperor' Concerto. Energy, fantasy and untamed inspiration.

Post-Concert Performance Martin Roscoe performs Beethoven piano sonatas in the main auditorium.

Saturday 3 November, 7.30pm

Verdi The Sicilian Vespers – 9’ overture

Piano Concertos 15’& 24’ Nos. 1 and 4

Casella

04.

John Bradbury Principal Clarinet

Conductor Piano

Preview 6.30pm Gianandrea Noseda in conversation with the BBC Philharmonic’s General Manager, Richard Wigley.

Prokofiev

Symphony No. 3

Gianandrea Noseda Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

44’

Award-winning pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet makes his Bridgewater Hall debut to get under the skin of Prokofiev’s ferocious piano concertos. Tonight he performs not just the youthful First Concerto, but the sensational Fourth too, written to be played with just the left hand. Conductor Laureate Gianandrea Noseda begins the evening with Verdi’s melodramatic overture before introducing a real undiscovered treasure. Imagine Puccini, Mahler and Prokofiev thrown together with a twist of Italian zest and you’ll realise why we’re so excited to share Casella’s Third Symphony with you.

05.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Friday 23 November, 7.30pm

Dvorˇák Overture ‘Carnival’

10’

Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 30’

Schmidt Symphony No. 4

46’

Vassily Sinaisky Daniil Trifonov

Conductor Piano

Meet Franz Schmidt, last of the Austrian Romantics.

As storm-clouds gathered over his native Austria, Schmidt poured a lifetime of heartbreak into his beautiful Fourth Symphony; music of profound emotion, glorious melody and some of the most tender poetry in 20th-century music. Prize-winning 22-year-old virtuoso Daniil Trifonov, already hailed by Norman Lebrecht as 'a pianist for the rest of our lives', is the perfect soloist for Chopin’s youthful Second Concerto. Dvorˇák’s colourful and exuberant overture starts the evening.

Jennifer Galloway Principal Oboe

Friday 16 November, 7.30pm

Bach Cantata No. 147, ‘Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben’

28’

Bruckner Symphony No. 9

67’

Juanjo Mena Julia Doyle Robin Blaze Roderick Williams Manchester Chamber Choir

Conductor Soprano Counter-tenor Bass

From the blackest depths Anton Bruckner reached out and struggled towards the light. He never made it, but in his Ninth Symphony he left us one of the greatest spiritual odysseys in all music. Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic’s previous performances of Bruckner have won exceptional critical praise.

You don’t need to be religious to be moved by this music; or to be refreshed by Bach’s joyous Cantata No. 147, which includes the famous chorale known as Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Friday 30 November, 7.30pm

George Benjamin Ringed by the Flat Horizon

Juanjo Mena Johannes Moser

20’

Haydn Cello Concerto in C

24’

Dvorˇák Symphony No. 7

A train entering a station, or the quiet roar of a nation stirring from oppression? For Antonín Dvorˇák, it was simply the beginning; and what followed was 40 minutes of gripping drama, quiet poetry, swinging dance tunes and hard-fought triumph. This is Dvorˇák’s Seventh Symphony and if you haven’t heard it before, you’ll quickly realise why for many listeners it’s even greater than the 'New World'. The programme begins with George Benjamin’s electrifying musical landscape and is completed by Haydn’s irresistible First Cello Concerto performed by Johannes Moser.

37’

Post-Concert Performance Manchester Chamber Choir performs in the main auditorium.

06.

Conductor Cello

07.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Friday 23 November, 7.30pm

Dvorˇák Overture ‘Carnival’

10’

Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 30’

Schmidt Symphony No. 4

46’

Vassily Sinaisky Daniil Trifonov

Conductor Piano

Meet Franz Schmidt, last of the Austrian Romantics.

As storm-clouds gathered over his native Austria, Schmidt poured a lifetime of heartbreak into his beautiful Fourth Symphony; music of profound emotion, glorious melody and some of the most tender poetry in 20th-century music. Prize-winning 22-year-old virtuoso Daniil Trifonov, already hailed by Norman Lebrecht as 'a pianist for the rest of our lives', is the perfect soloist for Chopin’s youthful Second Concerto. Dvorˇák’s colourful and exuberant overture starts the evening.

Jennifer Galloway Principal Oboe

Friday 16 November, 7.30pm

Bach Cantata No. 147, ‘Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben’

28’

Bruckner Symphony No. 9

67’

Juanjo Mena Julia Doyle Robin Blaze Roderick Williams Manchester Chamber Choir

Conductor Soprano Counter-tenor Bass

From the blackest depths Anton Bruckner reached out and struggled towards the light. He never made it, but in his Ninth Symphony he left us one of the greatest spiritual odysseys in all music. Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic’s previous performances of Bruckner have won exceptional critical praise.

You don’t need to be religious to be moved by this music; or to be refreshed by Bach’s joyous Cantata No. 147, which includes the famous chorale known as Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Friday 30 November, 7.30pm

George Benjamin Ringed by the Flat Horizon

Juanjo Mena Johannes Moser

20’

Haydn Cello Concerto in C

24’

Dvorˇák Symphony No. 7

A train entering a station, or the quiet roar of a nation stirring from oppression? For Antonín Dvorˇák, it was simply the beginning; and what followed was 40 minutes of gripping drama, quiet poetry, swinging dance tunes and hard-fought triumph. This is Dvorˇák’s Seventh Symphony and if you haven’t heard it before, you’ll quickly realise why for many listeners it’s even greater than the 'New World'. The programme begins with George Benjamin’s electrifying musical landscape and is completed by Haydn’s irresistible First Cello Concerto performed by Johannes Moser.

37’

Post-Concert Performance Manchester Chamber Choir performs in the main auditorium.

06.

Conductor Cello

07.

Inspiration with every note

Saturday 12 January, 7.30pm

Arvo Pärt Cantus in memoriam 6’ Benjamin Britten

Britten

Antonello Manacorda Lisa Larsson

Conductor Soprano

Preview 6.30pm David Matthews discusses the work of Benjamin Britten with Artistic Consultant of The Bridgewater Hall, Peter Davison.

Les illuminations

21’

Beethoven Symphony No. 6, ‘Pastoral’

39’

'More an expression of feeling than a painting' is how Beethoven described his lovely 'Pastoral' Symphony. But this music is so evocative, little is left to the imagination; birds sing and streams flow in this masterful work. Vibrant Italian conductor Antonello Manacorda makes his Bridgewater Hall debut, and brings his glorious sense of song both to Arvo Pärt’s haunting tribute to Britten and Britten’s own endearingly bright-eyed song-cycle Les illuminations, sung by Lisa Larsson, in this Britten centenary year.

Jonathan Goodall Principal Horn

Friday 1 February, 7.30pm

Stravinsky Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm

Oliver Knussen

Juanjo Mena Renaud Capuçon

Flourish with Fireworks 4’

Korngold Violin Concerto

26’

The Wooden Prince (complete)

55’

Bartók

Conductor Violin

A fantastic kingdom, a handsome prince, a beautiful princess and a mischievous fairy; this is The Wooden Prince and tonight Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic plunge headlong into the enchantingly colourful world of Bartók’s little-known ballet scored for large orchestral forces. It is music to set ears tingling, toes tapping and to stir up the emotions. Share the thrill of rediscovery and enjoy the glorious sound of Renaud Capuçon in Korngold’s Hollywood romance of a Violin Concerto. Oliver Knussen supplies the fireworks.

Symphonies of Wind Instruments

9’

Violin Concerto (UK Premiere)

Tobias Broström 32’

John Storgårds and Håkan Hardenberger discuss tonight's unique concert, in which each will conduct and perform as soloists.

We launch the orchestra’s celebration of Stravinsky's big three ballets with Petrushka, the Russian composer’s colourful tale of love and death at a fairground. Closer to home, prepare to be amazed as Håkan Hardenberger, probably the world’s greatest trumpeter, joins conductor John Storgårds in a showpiece written specially for him, then swaps places to conduct while Storgårds plays a concerto written to display his own incredible violin playing.

Hearing is believing.

Stravinsky Petrushka (1911 version) 35’

08.

Conductor / Violin Conductor / Trumpet

Preview 6.30pm

Kimmo Hakola

Lucernaris Trumpet Concerto (UK Premiere)

John Storgårds Håkan Hardenberger

09.

Inspiration with every note

Saturday 12 January, 7.30pm

Arvo Pärt Cantus in memoriam 6’ Benjamin Britten

Britten

Antonello Manacorda Lisa Larsson

Conductor Soprano

Preview 6.30pm David Matthews discusses the work of Benjamin Britten with Artistic Consultant of The Bridgewater Hall, Peter Davison.

Les illuminations

21’

Beethoven Symphony No. 6, ‘Pastoral’

39’

'More an expression of feeling than a painting' is how Beethoven described his lovely 'Pastoral' Symphony. But this music is so evocative, little is left to the imagination; birds sing and streams flow in this masterful work. Vibrant Italian conductor Antonello Manacorda makes his Bridgewater Hall debut, and brings his glorious sense of song both to Arvo Pärt’s haunting tribute to Britten and Britten’s own endearingly bright-eyed song-cycle Les illuminations, sung by Lisa Larsson, in this Britten centenary year.

Jonathan Goodall Principal Horn

Friday 1 February, 7.30pm

Stravinsky Saturday 26 January, 7.30pm

Oliver Knussen

Juanjo Mena Renaud Capuçon

Flourish with Fireworks 4’

Korngold Violin Concerto

26’

The Wooden Prince (complete)

55’

Bartók

Conductor Violin

A fantastic kingdom, a handsome prince, a beautiful princess and a mischievous fairy; this is The Wooden Prince and tonight Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic plunge headlong into the enchantingly colourful world of Bartók’s little-known ballet scored for large orchestral forces. It is music to set ears tingling, toes tapping and to stir up the emotions. Share the thrill of rediscovery and enjoy the glorious sound of Renaud Capuçon in Korngold’s Hollywood romance of a Violin Concerto. Oliver Knussen supplies the fireworks.

Symphonies of Wind Instruments

9’

Violin Concerto (UK Premiere)

Tobias Broström 32’

John Storgårds and Håkan Hardenberger discuss tonight's unique concert, in which each will conduct and perform as soloists.

We launch the orchestra’s celebration of Stravinsky's big three ballets with Petrushka, the Russian composer’s colourful tale of love and death at a fairground. Closer to home, prepare to be amazed as Håkan Hardenberger, probably the world’s greatest trumpeter, joins conductor John Storgårds in a showpiece written specially for him, then swaps places to conduct while Storgårds plays a concerto written to display his own incredible violin playing.

Hearing is believing.

Stravinsky Petrushka (1911 version) 35’

08.

Conductor / Violin Conductor / Trumpet

Preview 6.30pm

Kimmo Hakola

Lucernaris Trumpet Concerto (UK Premiere)

John Storgårds Håkan Hardenberger

09.

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Friday 15 February, 7.30pm

Beethoven Musik zu einem Ritterballett

11’

Mozart Clarinet Concerto

26’

Schubert Symphony No. 9, ‘Great’

55’

Juanjo Mena Julian Bliss

Conductor Clarinet

Did you know that Beethoven’s first music for orchestra was written for a ballet featuring knights on horseback? He was just 20 and his score features cameos depicting love, hunting and drinking. A few months later, Mozart composed one of his last masterpieces, the haunting Clarinet Concerto. Schubert’s last completed symphony – the 'Great' C major – pushes out the boundaries of music. It is a work full of magical moments, conjuring up along the way contrasts of otherworldliness with rustic dancing. And the Finale is a pure hymn to joy.

Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm

James MacMillan The Sacrifice: Three Interludes

Serenade for Tenor, 25’ Horn and Strings

Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 27’

Stravinsky The Firebird (complete) 44’

Gianandrea Noseda James Ehnes

Virtuoso violinist James Ehnes in conversation.

50’

Ink Still Wet – expect the unexpected with new music and performance in the foyer of The Bridgewater Hall.

In a ravaged land, a terrified people cry out for deliverance, but even great leaders can hide terrible secrets. Hear a timeless story made startlingly new, as HK Gruber and some of the greatest singers of our time join forces in Stravinsky’s astonishing opera-oratorio Oedipus rex. It’s the jaw-dropping finish to a night of myth, poetry and basic instincts: from Britten’s rapturous Serenade, through the passionate emotion of James MacMillan’s The Sacrifice.

Conductor Violin

Preview 6.30pm

Paul Turner Principal Timpani

With a burst of flame and a cascade of sparks, the magical Firebird leaps into life. When Igor Stravinsky composed The Firebird, he didn’t just imagine a world of enchanted princesses, courageous heroes and green-clawed demons, he let us hear it too, in some of the most ravishingly colourful music of the 20th-century.

As we continue our celebration of Stravinsky's ballets, expect former BBC Philharmonic Chief Conductor Gianandrea Noseda to revel in its magical colours. Meanwhile the superb Canadian violinist James Ehnes performs Prokofiev’s effervescent and lyrical Second Concerto. The programme begins with Rossini’s thrilling overture to William Tell.

10.

Conductor Horn Oedipus Jocasta Creon Tiresias Shepherd Messenger

Pre-Concert 6:30pm

Stravinsky

Friday 22 February, 7.30pm William Tell – overture 12’

15’

Britten

Oedipus rex

Rossini

HK Gruber Richard Watkins Ian Bostridge Angelika Kirchschlager Henry Waddington Stephen Richardson Timothy Robinson Neal Davies Hallé Choir

11.

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Friday 15 February, 7.30pm

Beethoven Musik zu einem Ritterballett

11’

Mozart Clarinet Concerto

26’

Schubert Symphony No. 9, ‘Great’

55’

Juanjo Mena Julian Bliss

Conductor Clarinet

Did you know that Beethoven’s first music for orchestra was written for a ballet featuring knights on horseback? He was just 20 and his score features cameos depicting love, hunting and drinking. A few months later, Mozart composed one of his last masterpieces, the haunting Clarinet Concerto. Schubert’s last completed symphony – the 'Great' C major – pushes out the boundaries of music. It is a work full of magical moments, conjuring up along the way contrasts of otherworldliness with rustic dancing. And the Finale is a pure hymn to joy.

Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm

James MacMillan The Sacrifice: Three Interludes

Serenade for Tenor, 25’ Horn and Strings

Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 27’

Stravinsky The Firebird (complete) 44’

Gianandrea Noseda James Ehnes

Virtuoso violinist James Ehnes in conversation.

50’

Ink Still Wet – expect the unexpected with new music and performance in the foyer of The Bridgewater Hall.

In a ravaged land, a terrified people cry out for deliverance, but even great leaders can hide terrible secrets. Hear a timeless story made startlingly new, as HK Gruber and some of the greatest singers of our time join forces in Stravinsky’s astonishing opera-oratorio Oedipus rex. It’s the jaw-dropping finish to a night of myth, poetry and basic instincts: from Britten’s rapturous Serenade, through the passionate emotion of James MacMillan’s The Sacrifice.

Conductor Violin

Preview 6.30pm

Paul Turner Principal Timpani

With a burst of flame and a cascade of sparks, the magical Firebird leaps into life. When Igor Stravinsky composed The Firebird, he didn’t just imagine a world of enchanted princesses, courageous heroes and green-clawed demons, he let us hear it too, in some of the most ravishingly colourful music of the 20th-century.

As we continue our celebration of Stravinsky's ballets, expect former BBC Philharmonic Chief Conductor Gianandrea Noseda to revel in its magical colours. Meanwhile the superb Canadian violinist James Ehnes performs Prokofiev’s effervescent and lyrical Second Concerto. The programme begins with Rossini’s thrilling overture to William Tell.

10.

Conductor Horn Oedipus Jocasta Creon Tiresias Shepherd Messenger

Pre-Concert 6:30pm

Stravinsky

Friday 22 February, 7.30pm William Tell – overture 12’

15’

Britten

Oedipus rex

Rossini

HK Gruber Richard Watkins Ian Bostridge Angelika Kirchschlager Henry Waddington Stephen Richardson Timothy Robinson Neal Davies Hallé Choir

11.

Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm

Janácˇek Sinfonietta

22’

Conductor Piano

Preview 6.30pm

Ravel

To be announced.

Piano Concerto in G 21’

Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

Juanjo Mena Louis Lortie

34’

100 years ago in Paris, Igor Stravinsky blew music to pieces and started a riot. The Rite of Spring was violent, primal and thrillingly raw; no-one had ever heard anything like it. A century on, we’re still reeling from the aftershock. Join Juanjo Mena and the orchestra for the finale of our Stravinsky ballet celebration.

Louis Lortie also brings all his characteristic panache to Ravel’s gleaming art-deco concerto and the evening opens in a blaze of joie de vivre, with the massed trumpets and sheer energy of Janácˇek’s roof-raising Sinfonietta.

14.

Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm

Elgar Pomp and Circumstance 6’ March No. 5

Delius Légende

Sir Andrew Davis Tasmin Little

Conductor Violin

Preview 6.30pm Violinist Tasmin Little in conversation.

9’

Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending 14’ A London Symphony 46’ (Symphony No. 2)

Taxis, street-sellers, traffic jams and fog; for Ralph Vaughan Williams Edwardian London was a symphony just waiting to be written, packed with humour, atmosphere and delightfully hummable tunes. Listen for the chimes of Big Ben as Sir Andrew Davis shows us the sights, and then soars high above the English countryside with virtuoso Tasmin Little in The Lark Ascending.

Is this the most beautiful piece of British music ever written?

Little and Davis introduce another contender: Delius’s haunting, rarely-heard Légende.

15.

Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm

Janácˇek Sinfonietta

22’

Conductor Piano

Preview 6.30pm

Ravel

To be announced.

Piano Concerto in G 21’

Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

Juanjo Mena Louis Lortie

34’

100 years ago in Paris, Igor Stravinsky blew music to pieces and started a riot. The Rite of Spring was violent, primal and thrillingly raw; no-one had ever heard anything like it. A century on, we’re still reeling from the aftershock. Join Juanjo Mena and the orchestra for the finale of our Stravinsky ballet celebration.

Louis Lortie also brings all his characteristic panache to Ravel’s gleaming art-deco concerto and the evening opens in a blaze of joie de vivre, with the massed trumpets and sheer energy of Janácˇek’s roof-raising Sinfonietta.

14.

Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm

Elgar Pomp and Circumstance 6’ March No. 5

Delius Légende

Sir Andrew Davis Tasmin Little

Conductor Violin

Preview 6.30pm Violinist Tasmin Little in conversation.

9’

Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending 14’ A London Symphony 46’ (Symphony No. 2)

Taxis, street-sellers, traffic jams and fog; for Ralph Vaughan Williams Edwardian London was a symphony just waiting to be written, packed with humour, atmosphere and delightfully hummable tunes. Listen for the chimes of Big Ben as Sir Andrew Davis shows us the sights, and then soars high above the English countryside with virtuoso Tasmin Little in The Lark Ascending.

Is this the most beautiful piece of British music ever written?

Little and Davis introduce another contender: Delius’s haunting, rarely-heard Légende.

15.

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Sibelius Symphony Cycle The symphonies of Jean Sibelius are landmarks in music.

Rooted in the pride, nature and folklore of his native Finland, Sibelius wrestled personal demons and turmoil to forge seven masterpieces that redefine the symphony. With their soaring melodies, passionate emotions and majesty, they are as fresh, as powerful and as stirring as the Northern landscape itself.

Nearly a century on, they continue to inspire. Join us as our Finnish Principal Guest Conductor John Storgårds takes us on his nation’s greatest musical journey. This symphony cycle will also be recorded for Chandos Records.

Elaine Close, Trumpet & Jamie Prophet, Principal Trumpet

Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Symphony No. 1

39’

John Storgårds

Symphony No. 5

33’

Preview 6.30pm

Symphony No. 4

38’

Symphony No. 2

47’

Conductor

John Storgårds

Conductor

Jean Sibelius was a man of extremes, in fact some would say that his darkest symphony is also his greatest. The Fourth Symphony stares into the bleakest corners of the human soul and finds a surprising strength. The Second could hardly be more different.

From playful beginning to triumphant finish, there’s never been a more inspiring musical portrait of a nation awakening to freedom.

Our Principal Guest Conductor John Storgårds discusses the upcoming Sibelius cycle.

We begin where Sibelius did, with the romantic First Symphony: big tunes, big feelings and sweeping drama, set amidst the twilight colours of Finnish legend. Fifteen years later and the skies have cleared. Sibelius’ magnificent Fifth Symphony opens with a glowing sunrise and ends with a vision inspired by a flight of swans and one of the simplest and greatest melodies ever written.

Once heard, never forgotten.

16.

Thursday 13 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Symphony No. 3

29’

John Storgårds

Symphony No. 6

27’

Symphony No. 7

22’

Swirling mists, sunlit forests and snow-capped summits; with Sibelius, you’re never far from nature. His Third Symphony sketches a sea journey with bracing freshness, while his Sixth evokes the Finnish landscape in some of the most serenely beautiful music he ever wrote. And John Storgårds reaches journey’s end with the monumental Seventh Symphony; a life’s work brought to completion in a single mighty gesture.

17.

Conductor

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Sibelius Symphony Cycle The symphonies of Jean Sibelius are landmarks in music.

Rooted in the pride, nature and folklore of his native Finland, Sibelius wrestled personal demons and turmoil to forge seven masterpieces that redefine the symphony. With their soaring melodies, passionate emotions and majesty, they are as fresh, as powerful and as stirring as the Northern landscape itself.

Nearly a century on, they continue to inspire. Join us as our Finnish Principal Guest Conductor John Storgårds takes us on his nation’s greatest musical journey. This symphony cycle will also be recorded for Chandos Records.

Elaine Close, Trumpet & Jamie Prophet, Principal Trumpet

Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Symphony No. 1

39’

John Storgårds

Symphony No. 5

33’

Preview 6.30pm

Symphony No. 4

38’

Symphony No. 2

47’

Conductor

John Storgårds

Conductor

Jean Sibelius was a man of extremes, in fact some would say that his darkest symphony is also his greatest. The Fourth Symphony stares into the bleakest corners of the human soul and finds a surprising strength. The Second could hardly be more different.

From playful beginning to triumphant finish, there’s never been a more inspiring musical portrait of a nation awakening to freedom.

Our Principal Guest Conductor John Storgårds discusses the upcoming Sibelius cycle.

We begin where Sibelius did, with the romantic First Symphony: big tunes, big feelings and sweeping drama, set amidst the twilight colours of Finnish legend. Fifteen years later and the skies have cleared. Sibelius’ magnificent Fifth Symphony opens with a glowing sunrise and ends with a vision inspired by a flight of swans and one of the simplest and greatest melodies ever written.

Once heard, never forgotten.

16.

Thursday 13 June, 7.30pm

Sibelius Symphony No. 3

29’

John Storgårds

Symphony No. 6

27’

Symphony No. 7

22’

Swirling mists, sunlit forests and snow-capped summits; with Sibelius, you’re never far from nature. His Third Symphony sketches a sea journey with bracing freshness, while his Sixth evokes the Finnish landscape in some of the most serenely beautiful music he ever wrote. And John Storgårds reaches journey’s end with the monumental Seventh Symphony; a life’s work brought to completion in a single mighty gesture.

17.

Conductor

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

BBC Philharmonic The award-winning BBC Philharmonic is acknowledged as one of the UK’s finest orchestras. It is part of the BBC’s family of six performing groups, and from its home in Salford it tours widely in the UK and internationally.

Most concerts are broadcast live or recorded for BBC Radio 3. The orchestra also performs at the BBC Proms every year.

The BBC Philharmonic was founded in 1934 as the BBC Northern Orchestra, and changed its name to the BBC Philharmonic in 1982. It moved from Manchester to nearby MediaCityUK in Salford Quays in May 2011, joining other programme departments at the BBC’s new Northern base.

In June 2011 the orchestra’s BBC Philharmonic Presents festival featured programmes on seven of the BBC’s network radio stations and BBC red button. The programmes have had over 11 million listens to date.

Since 2007 the orchestra has visited Japan, Korea, China, Italy, Spain, Austria, Turkey Hungary, Croatia and Germany. In 2013 they return to Japan after being forced to return early from their 2011 tour due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

The BBC Philharmonic has an exclusive recording contract with one of the world’s leading independent labels, Chandos Records, and has made over 250 CDs with them. They have sold nearly one million CDs worldwide to date.

BBC Philharmonic recordings have been nominated for numerous awards, including this year a Grammy Award and a BBC Music Magazine Award.

The BBC Philharmonic is supported by Salford City Council, enabling the orchestra to build active links in the area through a busy learning and community programme.

For more information about the BBC Philharmonic bbc.co.uk/philharmonic Twitter: @bbcphilharmonic Facebook.com/bbcphilharmonic 0161 836 1300 philharmonic@bbc.co.uk 19.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

BBC Philharmonic The award-winning BBC Philharmonic is acknowledged as one of the UK’s finest orchestras. It is part of the BBC’s family of six performing groups, and from its home in Salford it tours widely in the UK and internationally.

Most concerts are broadcast live or recorded for BBC Radio 3. The orchestra also performs at the BBC Proms every year.

The BBC Philharmonic was founded in 1934 as the BBC Northern Orchestra, and changed its name to the BBC Philharmonic in 1982. It moved from Manchester to nearby MediaCityUK in Salford Quays in May 2011, joining other programme departments at the BBC’s new Northern base.

In June 2011 the orchestra’s BBC Philharmonic Presents festival featured programmes on seven of the BBC’s network radio stations and BBC red button. The programmes have had over 11 million listens to date.

Since 2007 the orchestra has visited Japan, Korea, China, Italy, Spain, Austria, Turkey Hungary, Croatia and Germany. In 2013 they return to Japan after being forced to return early from their 2011 tour due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

The BBC Philharmonic has an exclusive recording contract with one of the world’s leading independent labels, Chandos Records, and has made over 250 CDs with them. They have sold nearly one million CDs worldwide to date.

BBC Philharmonic recordings have been nominated for numerous awards, including this year a Grammy Award and a BBC Music Magazine Award.

The BBC Philharmonic is supported by Salford City Council, enabling the orchestra to build active links in the area through a busy learning and community programme.

For more information about the BBC Philharmonic bbc.co.uk/philharmonic Twitter: @bbcphilharmonic Facebook.com/bbcphilharmonic 0161 836 1300 philharmonic@bbc.co.uk 19.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Tickets Tickets available from just £10.

Ticket bands Seating Area A Seating Area B Seating Area C Seating Area D Seating Area E Seating Area F

£34 £27 £23 £19 £14 £10

How to Book Telephone: 0844 907 9000 Online: bridgewater-hall.co.uk In person: The Bridgewater Hall Box Office By post: Request a booking form from the Box Office and return to:

The BBC Philharmonic — making music with people wherever they are For more information bbc.co.uk/philharmonic martin.maris@bbc.co.uk

The Bridgewater Hall Box Office Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS Opening Hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday (8pm concert nights) 12pm – 8pm Sunday (concert nights only)

The Bridgewater Hall Booking Fees

Box Office, The Bridgewater Hall, FREEPOST MR10191, Manchester M2 9DW

A booking fee of £2 per ticket applies to all transactions with the exception of bookings made in person at the Box Office using cash or debit card only. No booking fee will be charged for Fixed and Flexible Series, by any booking or payment method.

Direct Debit is interest-free on Fixed and Flexible

Tickets also available from:

Series ticket orders of £200 or more. Please fill in the mandate form on The Bridgewater Hall booking form and the cost of your tickets will be automatically charged to your bank account in five monthly instalments commencing on Saturday 1 September 2012. Please note, the mandate form must be returned by Friday 27 July 2012.

Telephone: 0161 876 2199 (bookings handled by Quaytickets) Online:

Details of Fixed and Flexible Series are on page 22.

“You could feel the sense of achievement – it was brilliant.”

— BBC Philharmonic Family Orchestra Member

20.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

In Person: The Lowry – Quaytickets Box Office

Booking fees apply.

21.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Tickets Tickets available from just £10.

Ticket bands Seating Area A Seating Area B Seating Area C Seating Area D Seating Area E Seating Area F

£34 £27 £23 £19 £14 £10

How to Book Telephone: 0844 907 9000 Online: bridgewater-hall.co.uk In person: The Bridgewater Hall Box Office By post: Request a booking form from the Box Office and return to:

The BBC Philharmonic — making music with people wherever they are For more information bbc.co.uk/philharmonic martin.maris@bbc.co.uk

The Bridgewater Hall Box Office Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS Opening Hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday (8pm concert nights) 12pm – 8pm Sunday (concert nights only)

The Bridgewater Hall Booking Fees

Box Office, The Bridgewater Hall, FREEPOST MR10191, Manchester M2 9DW

A booking fee of £2 per ticket applies to all transactions with the exception of bookings made in person at the Box Office using cash or debit card only. No booking fee will be charged for Fixed and Flexible Series, by any booking or payment method.

Direct Debit is interest-free on Fixed and Flexible

Tickets also available from:

Series ticket orders of £200 or more. Please fill in the mandate form on The Bridgewater Hall booking form and the cost of your tickets will be automatically charged to your bank account in five monthly instalments commencing on Saturday 1 September 2012. Please note, the mandate form must be returned by Friday 27 July 2012.

Telephone: 0161 876 2199 (bookings handled by Quaytickets) Online:

Details of Fixed and Flexible Series are on page 22.

“You could feel the sense of achievement – it was brilliant.”

— BBC Philharmonic Family Orchestra Member

20.

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

In Person: The Lowry – Quaytickets Box Office

Booking fees apply.

21.

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Ticket Subscriptions

Concessions

Tickets Schemes

Fixed Series can now be booked online:

Concessions for disabled patrons

Families

bridgewater-hall.co.uk. If you book for all of the BBC Philharmonic’s 18 Bridgewater Hall concerts you will receive a 30% discount on tickets.

Flexible Series allows you to pick and choose the concerts you wish to attend from any of the BBC Philharmonic performances at The Bridgewater Hall listed within this brochure, or any of the concerts listed in The Bridgewater Hall’s International Season, Manchester Camerata and the Hallé’s season brochures at a generous discount.

These flexible packages can be bought online: bridgewater-hall.co.uk. Booking forms also available on request.

Choose 5–15 concerts save 15% on tickets Choose 16+ concerts save 25% on tickets (not available online – please contact The Bridgewater Hall Box Office, 0844 907 9000)

Concessions are available to disabled patrons who are members of The Bridgewater Hall’s Access Scheme. Please visit bridgewater-hall.co.uk for full information or call the Box Office, 0844 907 9000, to register.

Concessionary Tickets A 10% discount is available in advance to students, under-26-year-olds and claimants.

Senior Citizens From two Mondays prior to the concert, senior citizens may purchase any remaining tickets at 20% discount.

Children’s Tickets A 50% discount is available for children aged 16 and under at all concerts.

Friends of the BBC Philharmonic receive 25% discount on any BBC Philharmonic tickets bought as part of a Flexible Series or as single tickets.

This is not available online.

Group Discounts

Choir Seats are only available for certain concerts and will go on sale one month before the performance date. Choir seats can be bought as part of a Flexible Series.

Groups of 10–29 save 10%

Generous discounts are available, depending on the size of your group:

Groups of 30–49 save 15% Groups of 50+ save 25%

Ticket Exchange If you are unable to attend a BBC Philharmonic concert, the Box Office will credit your account with the cost of the tickets provided they are physically returned at least three working days before the concert date. This credit amount (minus a return fee of £2.20 per ticket) can then be used to purchase full-price tickets for another concert of your choice.

22.

Experience live orchestral music at The Bridgewater Hall with Journey Through Music, the BBC Philharmonic’s scheme designed especially for families with 8- to 16-year-olds. With a flexible range of benefits, you can create the evening that suits you; from big discounts on ticket prices for adults and children to free workshops to learn about the orchestra and specially created programme notes to guide you through the music. Tickets are £5 for children aged 16 and under and £10 for accompanying adults.

Look out for the JTM logo beside our Journey Through Music concerts, and visit us at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic to find out more.

Students The Sonic Card is a free scheme for students run by the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, RNCM and The Bridgewater Hall. Sonic Card is free to join and gives students the opportunity to buy tickets to selected concerts for just £3.

The aim of Sonic Card is to encourage students to discover a diverse range of live music events spanning a wide variety of musical styles including classical, jazz and world. You can sign up at soniccard.co.uk or at the Sonic Card desk before any featured concert.

Friends of the BBC Philharmonic Friends receive a range of benefits, including 25% discount on tickets and free concert programmes at BBC Philharmonic concerts at The Bridgewater Hall, regular access to concerts and rehearsals at the BBC Philharmonic’s studio at MediaCityUK and special Friends events, such as the annual Christmas Party. There are also opportunities for members to work more closely with us as volunteers helping with mailings and events.

Full details of benefits and a downloadable membership form can be found at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic. Alternatively you can contact us on 0161 836 1311 or at philharmonic@bbc.co.uk to request a membership pack.

23.

Inspiration with every note

bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

Ticket Subscriptions

Concessions

Tickets Schemes

Fixed Series can now be booked online:

Concessions for disabled patrons

Families

bridgewater-hall.co.uk. If you book for all of the BBC Philharmonic’s 18 Bridgewater Hall concerts you will receive a 30% discount on tickets.

Flexible Series allows you to pick and choose the concerts you wish to attend from any of the BBC Philharmonic performances at The Bridgewater Hall listed within this brochure, or any of the concerts listed in The Bridgewater Hall’s International Season, Manchester Camerata and the Hallé’s season brochures at a generous discount.

These flexible packages can be bought online: bridgewater-hall.co.uk. Booking forms also available on request.

Choose 5–15 concerts save 15% on tickets Choose 16+ concerts save 25% on tickets (not available online – please contact The Bridgewater Hall Box Office, 0844 907 9000)

Concessions are available to disabled patrons who are members of The Bridgewater Hall’s Access Scheme. Please visit bridgewater-hall.co.uk for full information or call the Box Office, 0844 907 9000, to register.

Concessionary Tickets A 10% discount is available in advance to students, under-26-year-olds and claimants.

Senior Citizens From two Mondays prior to the concert, senior citizens may purchase any remaining tickets at 20% discount.

Children’s Tickets A 50% discount is available for children aged 16 and under at all concerts.

Friends of the BBC Philharmonic receive 25% discount on any BBC Philharmonic tickets bought as part of a Flexible Series or as single tickets.

This is not available online.

Group Discounts

Choir Seats are only available for certain concerts and will go on sale one month before the performance date. Choir seats can be bought as part of a Flexible Series.

Groups of 10–29 save 10%

Generous discounts are available, depending on the size of your group:

Groups of 30–49 save 15% Groups of 50+ save 25%

Ticket Exchange If you are unable to attend a BBC Philharmonic concert, the Box Office will credit your account with the cost of the tickets provided they are physically returned at least three working days before the concert date. This credit amount (minus a return fee of £2.20 per ticket) can then be used to purchase full-price tickets for another concert of your choice.

22.

Experience live orchestral music at The Bridgewater Hall with Journey Through Music, the BBC Philharmonic’s scheme designed especially for families with 8- to 16-year-olds. With a flexible range of benefits, you can create the evening that suits you; from big discounts on ticket prices for adults and children to free workshops to learn about the orchestra and specially created programme notes to guide you through the music. Tickets are £5 for children aged 16 and under and £10 for accompanying adults.

Look out for the JTM logo beside our Journey Through Music concerts, and visit us at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic to find out more.

Students The Sonic Card is a free scheme for students run by the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, RNCM and The Bridgewater Hall. Sonic Card is free to join and gives students the opportunity to buy tickets to selected concerts for just £3.

The aim of Sonic Card is to encourage students to discover a diverse range of live music events spanning a wide variety of musical styles including classical, jazz and world. You can sign up at soniccard.co.uk or at the Sonic Card desk before any featured concert.

Friends of the BBC Philharmonic Friends receive a range of benefits, including 25% discount on tickets and free concert programmes at BBC Philharmonic concerts at The Bridgewater Hall, regular access to concerts and rehearsals at the BBC Philharmonic’s studio at MediaCityUK and special Friends events, such as the annual Christmas Party. There are also opportunities for members to work more closely with us as volunteers helping with mailings and events.

Full details of benefits and a downloadable membership form can be found at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic. Alternatively you can contact us on 0161 836 1311 or at philharmonic@bbc.co.uk to request a membership pack.

23.

Inspiration with every note

Getting to The Bridgewater Hall Parking your car: a limited number of

Metrolink Discount: you can enjoy special

guaranteed spaces are available to Bridgewater Hall patrons at Park Avenue car park for £5.50.

Spaces must be booked with the Box Office or online at least one week before the concert and are valid from 5.30pm on the date indicated.

Patrons can also save money on NCP parking at Manchester Central Car Park (formerly known as GMex), Great Northern Phase 1 & 2 and Oxford Street. Validate your ticket at the Hall for a special rate of £6.90 for up to six hours.

discounted return fares of £3.50 per adult and £1.50 per child from any station on the Metrolink service to The Bridgewater Hall from 9.30am throughout the day of the performance. You must purchase your voucher at The Bridgewater Hall Box Office.

Disabled Parking: for patrons in wheelchairs and those with severe mobility difficulties, there is a specially designed tarmacked area in Manchester Central Car Park offering a limited number of free parking spaces. The complimentary voucher must be booked when you pay for your concert tickets. Vouchers are valid from 5pm.

Bus The nearest bus stops for major routes into the city centre are St Peter’s Square, Portland Street or Deansgate.

Rail The nearest rail stations are Deansgate and Oxford Road.

Coach Coaches can drop off and pick up outside the main entrance on Lower Mosley Street.

Eating and Drinking at The Bridgewater Hall Make the most of your evening by enjoying a relaxing drink or a pre-concert meal in The Charles Hallé Restaurant or the Stalls Café Bar.

The Charles Hallé Restaurant Pre-performance dining is from 5.30pm with a fixed-price menu du jour at £21.95 for two courses and £27.50 for three courses, inclusive of coffee and petits fours.

Reservations are required.

Stalls Café Bar For a more casual pre-concert dining experience within the lively atmosphere of the stalls bar area, pre-performance dining is available from 5.30pm with main courses typically costing from £10.95. Reservations are required.

Please reserve tables through the Box Office at bridgewater-hall.co.uk or on 0844 907 9000.

Please note a £5-per-person deposit is required for reservations; this is non-refundable in the event of cancellation with less than three days' notice.

Hand-crafted pizza and Criterion ice creams are also available on concert evenings.

24.

25.

Inspiration with every note

Getting to The Bridgewater Hall Parking your car: a limited number of

Metrolink Discount: you can enjoy special

guaranteed spaces are available to Bridgewater Hall patrons at Park Avenue car park for £5.50.

Spaces must be booked with the Box Office or online at least one week before the concert and are valid from 5.30pm on the date indicated.

Patrons can also save money on NCP parking at Manchester Central Car Park (formerly known as GMex), Great Northern Phase 1 & 2 and Oxford Street. Validate your ticket at the Hall for a special rate of £6.90 for up to six hours.

discounted return fares of £3.50 per adult and £1.50 per child from any station on the Metrolink service to The Bridgewater Hall from 9.30am throughout the day of the performance. You must purchase your voucher at The Bridgewater Hall Box Office.

Disabled Parking: for patrons in wheelchairs and those with severe mobility difficulties, there is a specially designed tarmacked area in Manchester Central Car Park offering a limited number of free parking spaces. The complimentary voucher must be booked when you pay for your concert tickets. Vouchers are valid from 5pm.

Bus The nearest bus stops for major routes into the city centre are St Peter’s Square, Portland Street or Deansgate.

Rail The nearest rail stations are Deansgate and Oxford Road.

Coach Coaches can drop off and pick up outside the main entrance on Lower Mosley Street.

Eating and Drinking at The Bridgewater Hall Make the most of your evening by enjoying a relaxing drink or a pre-concert meal in The Charles Hallé Restaurant or the Stalls Café Bar.

The Charles Hallé Restaurant Pre-performance dining is from 5.30pm with a fixed-price menu du jour at £21.95 for two courses and £27.50 for three courses, inclusive of coffee and petits fours.

Reservations are required.

Stalls Café Bar For a more casual pre-concert dining experience within the lively atmosphere of the stalls bar area, pre-performance dining is available from 5.30pm with main courses typically costing from £10.95. Reservations are required.

Please reserve tables through the Box Office at bridgewater-hall.co.uk or on 0844 907 9000.

Please note a £5-per-person deposit is required for reservations; this is non-refundable in the event of cancellation with less than three days' notice.

Hand-crafted pizza and Criterion ice creams are also available on concert evenings.

24.

25.

The Bridgewater Hall Box Office Phone: 0844 907 9000 Online: bridgewater-hall.co.uk Tickets also available from: Phone: 0161 876 2199 (bookings handled by Quaytickets) Online: bbc.co.uk/philharmonic