'The symphony must be like the world. It must embrace everything.' With his Second Symphony, 'Resurrection', the Hallé's Mahler cycle - presented in collaboration with the BBC Philharmonic - takes us into epic territory. It begins in purgatorial terror and moves with a grand sweep through the gamut of emotions including a deeply expressive solo 'Urlicht' (Primeval Light) to a visionary choral finale in which the heavens seem to open. Conducting the Hallé - loaded with extra brass on stage and off it - Principal Guest Conductor Markus Stenz will surely seek out the drama as well as the serenity and radiance of this overwhelming score. A new work by the Hallé's Associate Composer is always eagerly anticipated and this Hallé commission for unaccompanied voices from Colin Matthews puts the Hallé Choir in the spotlight.

6.15pm Pre-concert Event
Christopher Cook, Colin Matthews and Professor Julian Johnson discuss Mahler’s musical legacy, with a performance by musicians from Chetham’s School of Music.

The BBC Philharmonic and Hallé concerts will be recorded for BBC Radio 3. The concerts will be broadcast from 5 April on consecutive Mondays at 7.00pm for 10 weeks.