Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben

The evening

In his 80th birthday year, Sir Mark Elder steers the orchestra and choirs through music that celebrates their extraordinary partnership.

James MacMillan wrote Timotheus, Bacchus and Cecilia for the final concert of Elder’s 24 years as Music Director of the Hallé. This thrilling showpiece asks the family of choirs to sing their hearts out. The ending will simply give you goosebumps.

Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben explores the life of the composer – including a run-through of his back catalogue. Drawing on the full range of the orchestra, it comes to a close with exceptionally beautiful music for horn and violin.

Critics say Elder’s recording of Debussy’s Nocturnes is head and shoulders above the rest. Its ravishing ‘Sirènes’ section features silvery singing from the choirs.