'Some new music sounds as if it has always existed. The Concerto for Orchestra is sincere and meaningful, classy contemporary classical music for those who don't think they like the new stuff.' The Times.

Conductor Emeritus Sir Mark Elder conducts an album of world premiere recordings, charting the musical partnership between acclaimed British composer Huw Watkins and the Hallé. This album celebrates a warm and close musical relationship between composer, conductor and orchestra – and the extraordinary impact the Covid pandemic had on British cultural life.  Sir Mark and the Hallé commissioned and premiered the works on this album between 2020 and 2025, with Huw Watkins writing with the specific sound of the Hallé in mind.

HUW WATKINS
Fanfare 
Symphony No.2
Concerto for Orchestra

HALLÉ
Sir Mark Elder conductor

Release date: Fri 6 Mar 2026

Catalogue number: cdhll7569