It says much of the stature and regard in which the Hallé was held in Edwardian England (and since) that it was the Hallé that gave the world premiere of Elgar’s First Symphony in December 1908. It was a long-awaited event, Elgar having achieved huge popularity at home with Enigma .The symphony was almost universally praised, and people rushed to hear it and perform it, not just in England, but all over Europe.

Hans Richter, arguably the greatest musical figure of his age (and Charles Hallé’s successor as Principal conductor of the Hallé) described the First Symphony as “the greatest symphony of modern times.”

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Soloists/Artists
Sir Mark Elder, Piano
Timothy Pooley, Viola
Christine Rice, Mezzo-soprano

Catalodge number CD HLL 7500