Manchester-based orchestra The Hallé has announced its 2024-25 season, in which Colin will perform four times.
On 28 November and 1 December, Colin joins the orchestra and their dynamic new Principal Conductor Kahchun Wong to play the virtuosic solo part in Sir James MacMillan’s Veni, Veni Emmanuel. One of the most-performed percussion concertos in the repertoire, the one-movement piece is based on the Advent plainsong of the same name and dedicated to the composer’s parents. In his programme note, MacMillan explains: “On one level it is a purely abstract work in which all the musical material is drawn from the 15th century French Advent plainchant. On another level it is a musical exploration of the theology behind the Advent message”.
In February the orchestra presents a three-day celebration of the music of living legend, Philip Glass. One of the most influential composers alive today and among the first proponents of the minimalist movement, Glass’s music was described as “a viscous bath of pure, thick energy” by electronica pioneer Brian Eno. On 14 February, Colin conducts his iconic 1981 chamber piece Glassworks. Intending it to be – aptly, for the decade – ‘Walkman-suitable’, Glass released both an LP and a tape cassette of the piece. Each had its own separate mix: the LP was intended for home listening and the cassette – with a headphone-specific mix – was intended for personal tape players.
The following day, Colin leads the Hallé in Glass’ multimedia piece LIFE: A Journey Through Time. The visuals that accompany Glass’ shimmering music comes from the culmination of National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting’s six-year journey of photographic discovery that parallels new scientific insights about the evolution of life on Earth. The result is a lyrical interpretation of life on our planet, from its earliest beginnings to its present diversity. From prehistoric trilobites to giant tortoises, delicate jellies to spiny octopus trees, and from erupting volcanoes to shimmering coral reefs.
Tickets for all concerts are on sale now via the Hallé’s website.