BBC Philharmonic
Ben Gernon conductor
Christopher Purves baritone
Kate Royal soprano
BBC Singers
Hallé Choir
Hallé Youth Choir
Hallé Ancoats Community Choir
World première
On 16 August 1819, more than 60,000 people flooded into St Peter’s Field, united in their passion for the right to vote. But as the speeches began, troops on horseback charged into the crowd, killing 15 and injuring more than 600. The Peterloo Massacre was a pivotal moment in British history – and now, MIF is marking its 200th anniversary with this world première, the climax to an extraordinary day of performance across the city (for details, see mif.co.uk).
Composer Emily Howard, one of MIF’s most original musical voices, and writer Michael Symmons Roberts, winner of the Costa Poetry Award, have teamed up to write this major new work. Both an elegy to the fallen and a celebration of our city, the work will be performed tonight by the BBC Philharmonic, conductor Ben Gernon, soloists Christopher Purves and Kate Royal, and a huge massed chorus featuring the BBC Singers and three Hallé choirs.
Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, the BBC Philharmonic and BBC Radio 3. Produced by Manchester International Festival and the BBC Philharmonic.