The Adventures of Prince Achmed by Lotte Reiniger is the oldest surviving feature-length animation in cinema's history. This pioneering silhouette film takes its inspiration from The Arabian Nights, resulting in hypnotic and visually breathtaking imagery.

On July 31 2011 clarinet virtuoso Arun Ghosh presented his original contemporary soundtrack to The Adventures of Prince Achmed in the Barbirolli Room at The Bridgewater Hall. The production was originally commissioned by The Albany in London as a co-production in association with camoci records. 

"It was great!  The music was fantastic - totally transported me."

Ghosh's revitalised score draws upon the cinematic orchestration styles of retro 70s blaxploitation, Bollywood melodrama, classic westerns, and the infamous Hammer horror films, with elements of hip-hop, jazz and traditional Middle Eastern sounds. At The Bridgewater Hall, the Barbirolli Room was adorned with Arabian drapes and props, with cushions on the floor for children's seating. 

Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with children, teenagers and adults all responding enthusiastically to the performance. Almost a quarter of adults and well over half of the children had never visited The Bridgewater Hall before, but 86% were determined to see more music concerts; 90% of children and 98% of adults gave the production full marks in their evaluation. 

"It was an amazing performance and atmosphere 10/10!"