THE 2014/15 Hallé season begins on Thursday 11 September with a concert featuring the Kinshasa Symphony Orchestra and Choir at Bridgewater Hall.
"The Kinshasa Symphony and Choir is a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformational power of music"
This remarkable orchestra from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be bringing their story to the UK for the first time, performing alongside the Hallé in this special concert which is presented as part of a UK tour made possible with special support from an Exceptional Award from Arts Council England.
Emerging from one of most violent countries in Africa, the Kinshasa Symphony and Choir is a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformational power of music. Self-taught, self-disciplined and without any kind of official support, these musicians show their belief and dedication every time they walk, sometimes for several miles, to a rehearsal.
The concert will include performances of the Finale from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony: Ode to Joy along with movements from Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique conducted by the Hallé's Assistant Conductor, Jamie Phillips, and traditional Congolese music conducted by Armand Diangienda, founder of the Kinshasa Symphony. There will also be free foyer performances including African drummers, music from members of the Hallé and Kinshasa orchestras and the chance to sample some African food.
As part of their visit, the players will be offered instrument repair workshops and kits to take home to help maintain their instruments.
Their visit is thanks to an ambitious partnership between the Hallé, London’s Southbank Centre, Bristol Music Trust, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, the BBC, Arts Council England and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
For full details of Halle’s 2014/15 programme visit http://www.halle.co.uk
