Thank you for the report on Sir Mark Elder's finale. I was singing in the choir both nights and agree that it was a very memorable occasion. Just one tiny correction, though: the finale was always scheduled for Saturday (1st June) - Sir Mark's birthday is 2nd June (same day as Edward Elgar's) and he has always liked to do big concerts close to that date. The Friday date (31st May) was actually the one that was added later, due to overwhelming demand for tickets on the Saturday.
Also, it might be worth pointing out to anyone who wasn't able to attend, but is curious, that the same programme is being repeated at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 21st July. Tickets for that concert sold out within 4 hours of going on sale, but it will be shown on TV that night (BBC4 I think). The new James MacMillan work, with all three choirs singing with the orchestra, is amazing - we can't wait to introduce it to a wider audience!
Ah thanks, should have checked the Friday/Saturday thing. And yes, great that more people can see this concert. Well done for being part of it Jocelyn.
Another Hallé Choir member here, who first joined 7 years into Mark's tenure. Thanks for a great write-up of the Finale concerts, I think you captured the mood and the significance of it all very well.
I'm really looking forward to singing the Macmillan piece again in London! Details here:
Thank you for the report on Sir Mark Elder's finale. I was singing in the choir both nights and agree that it was a very memorable occasion. Just one tiny correction, though: the finale was always scheduled for Saturday (1st June) - Sir Mark's birthday is 2nd June (same day as Edward Elgar's) and he has always liked to do big concerts close to that date. The Friday date (31st May) was actually the one that was added later, due to overwhelming demand for tickets on the Saturday.
Also, it might be worth pointing out to anyone who wasn't able to attend, but is curious, that the same programme is being repeated at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 21st July. Tickets for that concert sold out within 4 hours of going on sale, but it will be shown on TV that night (BBC4 I think). The new James MacMillan work, with all three choirs singing with the orchestra, is amazing - we can't wait to introduce it to a wider audience!
Ah thanks, should have checked the Friday/Saturday thing. And yes, great that more people can see this concert. Well done for being part of it Jocelyn.
I was on the back row but I have five colours in my hair so sometimes people spot me even when I'm at the back!
Another Hallé Choir member here, who first joined 7 years into Mark's tenure. Thanks for a great write-up of the Finale concerts, I think you captured the mood and the significance of it all very well.
I'm really looking forward to singing the Macmillan piece again in London! Details here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e6drn3
If anyone wants to know what difference a conductor makes, ask an orchestral musician!