The Hallé Orchestra

Beethoven - Symphony No.2
Beethoven - Christ on the Mount of Olives

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Featuring:
Jennifer France, soprano
Neal Davies, bass
Toby Spence, tenor

Choir:
Hallé Choir
Gentlemen of the Manchester University Chorus
Gentlemen of the RNCM Chorus

In Sir Mark’s final appearance in the Beethoven cycle, he combines the Second Symphony with the choral cantata, Christ on the Mount of Olives, which was premiered in the same concert in 1803. The oratorio portrays, in music that is by turns dramatic and reflective, Christ’s agony in the garden of Gethsemane, his arrest and the triumph of the Resurrection, with impressive writing for the soloists representing Jesus, Peter and a Seraph. Although performed widely in Germany, performances in the UK are rarer, making this a special opportunity to hear a fascinating work which concludes with an exultant chorus of angels as Christ is revealed in his Heavenly glory.