The Hallé – The Planets

Kahchun Wong conductor
Hallé Choir Matthew Hamilton, choral director
Hallé Children’s Choir Shirley Court, director

Unsuk Chin Le Chant des Enfants des Étoiles (Hallé commission / world premiere of revision)
Holst The Planets
Colin Matthews Pluto, the Renewer

In a magnificent chorus of Hallé singers, the Choir and Children’s Choir join Kahchun Wong for a celestial trio. Unsuk Chin’s Le Chant des Enfants des Étoiles is an intensely atmospheric work which will take you on an exploration through the stars and the infinite reaches of space. Recently revised by the composer, this concert presents the exciting world premiere of this updated version. While the most recognised of Holst’s The Planets in modern times are perhaps Mars, the Bringer of War and Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (featured in ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’), hearing the complete suite in order provides an incredible musical journey through the solar system. Commissioned by the Hallé, Colin Matthews rose to the irresistible challenge of writing a complementary movement to Holst’s The Planets. A flurry of solar winds in the strings, and the lightning-fast scherzo Pluto, the Renewer was formed.

Concert sponsor: OCU Group