Award-winning singer and media personality Lesley Garrett will be performing with Manchester’s internationally renowned Halle orchestra for the opening of their 156th season.
The Yorkshire soprano and long-standing friend of the Halle will sing an intimate selection of songs and arrangements by Barber, Bax and Benjamin Britten at The Bridgewater Hall on September 26.
Garrett, who made a triumphant return to Opera earlier this year, is looking forward to collaborating with the Halle’s acclaimed musical director Sir Mark Elder in three performances that will launch the Halle’s Opus One Series of concerts.
Lesley said: “I am delighted to return to The Bridgewater Hall stage with the fabulous Hallé to open their 13-14 season. I always enjoy the warm welcome of the Manchester audiences and performing alongside Sir Mark is always a pleasure.”
Despite critical acclaim, Garrett admitted that she found her return to Opera North this February in a grueling one woman, 40 minute operetta, ‘frightening’.
In her eight year absence from opera, the 58-year-old has built up a devoted musical following as a classical cross-over artist, selling multi-award winning CD’s and scintillating audiences with performances in The Sound of Music and Carousel on the West End.
Dubbed the ‘Doncaster Diva’, Garrett is now probably better known for singing at some of Britain’s most famous sporting events than for her commanding performances at the English National Opera.
For Garrett’s critics, her popular image as the face of British classical music dwarfs her musical abilities. However, the former Strictly Come Dancing finalist has played an important part in bringing classical music into the mainstream spot-light, earning her a CBE in 2002.
The concerts will also see the Halle’s musical director, Sir Mark Elder return to hallowed ground for a performance of Elgar’s Enigma Variations. A renowned Elgarian, Sir Mark’s electrifying performances of the composer’s work are widely considered some of the best in the world.
Like Garrett, Elder has also been bringing classical music into people’s sitting rooms, appearing as a judge on the BBC TV Program Maestro in 2012 where celebrities were challenged to try their hand at classical conducting.
The star combination is a savvy piece of scheduling which builds upon the Halle’s wide musical appeal and provides a dazzling start to their busy musical year.
Picture courtesy of First Direct, with thanks.
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