Elgar The Kingdom
Sir Mark Elder conductor
Gemma Summerfield soprano
Dame Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano
Andrew Staples tenor*
Ashley Riches bass-baritone
Hallé Choir and Associates choral director Matthew Hamilton
Ad Solem (University of Manchester Choral Programme) choral director Robert Guy
*Andrew Staples has replaced Thomas Atkins who has withdrawn owing to illness
Of The Kingdom, premiered again in Birmingham in 1906, Elgar wrote that his aim was to ‘embody the Calling of the Apostles, Their Teaching (Schooling) and their Mission’. It shares leitmotifs with The Apostles and hearing them on consecutive evenings will intensify these connections. Sir Mark cites the Virgin Mary’s aria, ‘The sun goeth down’, as its gem, indeed a ‘standout moment in all Elgar where the exultance of the music is very real’. It will be sung by Gemma Summerfield; and as Mary Magdalene, Dame Sarah Connolly makes a most welcome return to the Hallé. What Sir Mark describes as Elgar’s ‘Malvern trilogy’ ends with a fervent setting of The Lord’s Prayer, with the composer drawing together the now familiar themes that have woven their way through these iconic oratorios.
Elgar’s Oratorios sponsored by: PZ CUSSONS
Travel & Dining
Travel & Parking
Purchase discounted parking (evening concerts only) along with your concert tickets.
Eating & Drinking
Make your concert experience extra special by upgrading to A-List in the Corporate Members’ Bar (selected concerts only) or booking pre-concert dining.