The Hallé Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

The season’s theme of mythology and legend reaches the grandest conclusion possible with a rare performance of Schoenberg’s gigantic Gurrelieder. Featuring an all-star vocal lineup, massive choral forces and the combined resources of the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic, it promises to be an evening never to be forgotten. The work is a setting of poetry by Jens Peter Jacobsen based on an ancient Danish saga, a tale of illicit love, jealousy and murder set at the castle of Gurre in North Zealand. Some think of Schoenberg as arid and theoretical, but in Gurrelieder nothing could be further from the truth. The musical language is richly Romantic and exquisitely lyrical throughout. At its premiere in 1913 the audience was wildly enthusiastic, not least at its magnificent closing ‘Hymn to the Sun’.

Pre-concert Event, 5.30pm – Gurrelieder with Peter Hill

Peter Hill, pianist, writer and broadcaster, gives an introduction to Schoenberg’s epic masterpiece Gurrelieder. Inspired by Danish medieval folklore, the work’s themes of joy, grief, loss and redemption mirror the turbulent events of Schoenberg’s own life.

The pre-concert event will take place in the auditorium and is free for concert ticket holders.