The Halle, have recorded a unique arrangement celebrating the city’s proud musical heritage the importance of Manchester in the British music scene.
The piece, commission by the Radisson Blu Edwardian Free Trade Hall to celebrate its 10th birthday, aims to document the importance of Manchester in music and the changing sounds of the city.
The result references classical pieces performed since the building’s opening in 1856, as well as music made famous by artists including the Bee Gees and Abba, right through to Manchester’s rock heyday in the nineties and noughties.
The final piece, penned by arranger Paul Campbell, will be heard for the first time at the hotel’s 10th anniversary event on 11th September, playing homage to the hotel’s strong musical links.
The building still echoes with the sounds of legendary performances by the Sex Pistols, Sir Charles Hallé and Sir John Barbirolli which are immortalised through the autographs that adorn the walls; a tradition the hotel continues with signatures from its high profile guests today.
Stephen Miles, General Manager of Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Hotel said: “As a hotel that is proud of its heritage and the city’s creative and musical traditions, and that attracts some of the biggest musical stars to this day, partnering with The Hallé seems the perfect celebration of the hotel’s 10th anniversary.”
“We would like to call out to the people of Manchester to get involved in this fantastic celebration and to share their favourite stories, memories and photographs they have of the Free Trade Hall, one of the most historical buildings in their city.”
The hotel, which has embraced its musical history, has named its 24 luxurious suites after the numerous famous names that have passed through the grand entrance of the Free Trade Hall, including Shirley Bassey, Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry and David Bowie.
John Summers, Hallé Chief Executive commented: “The Hallé performs all over the world, and gives over fifty concerts a year around the UK. But it takes greatest pride in the 70 or more concerts we give each year in Manchester, now in The Bridgewater Hall. We have striven for 156 years to be a cultural ambassador for the city wherever we perform, and we are delighted to be reminded of our long and affectionate relationship with the Free Trade Hall.”
Adding
“In celebrating the birthday of the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Paul Campbell has taken inspiration from composers such as Elgar and Rachmaninov as well as modern day Mancunian greats such as Oasis, Elbow and The Smiths, to great effect. Happy Birthday!”
