The Hallé - Magnificat

Multi-talented as composer, conductor and pianist, Ryan Wigglesworth is well-known as a former Hallé Principal Guest Conductor and Associate Artist, who has become Chief Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony 0rchestra this season. The concerts first half comprises the UK premiere of a Hallé/Bergen Philharmonic co-commission, Wigglesworths setting of the Magnificat, in which the Hallé Choir are joined by leading lyric soprano Sophie Bevan. Intriguingly, Wigglesworth regards the text as a song of praise and thanksgiving, but also Marys personal manifesto. Its the spirit of the German folk poems, Das Knaben Wunderhorn (The boys magic horn) that pervades Mahlers Fourth Symphony. Its famous for its Scherzo, an eerie Dance of Death and finale, in which Bevans compelling rich and powerful voice (Glasgow Herald) will embody a childs vision of heaven.