A wonderful 'adventure story in music' by Edward Gregson will be premiered by the Halle Orchestra in a 'Magical Journeys' concert at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester in July.

'The Salamander and the Moonraker' based on a story and text by Edward's wife Susan is a commission from the Halle Concerts Society, and will be performed by the renowned ensemble alongside the Halle Children's Choir as part of their summer season of attractions.

Family concert

It will form part of a special family Sunday afternoon concert on July 1st that will also include music from 'Pirates of the Caribbean', 'Apollo 13', 'The Chronicles of Narnia', 'Chityy, Chitty, Bang Bang', 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'ET'.

Subtitled, 'An Adventure Story in Music' the dramatic 35 minute work is based on a cantata commissioned in 1980 by the Croydon Schools' Music Association with funds provided by the Arts Council of Great Britain, which Edward has substantially revised (with the inclusion of two narrators) and re-orchestrated for this new version.

Salamander

He told 4BR: "The story tells of the adventures of some children caught up in the magical realms beyond Earth. They are transported into space to rescue the Moonraker, held captive by the god Thor.

They enlist the help of the mythological Salamander to carry them through Thor's barrier of fire and rescue the Moonraker and take her back to the Moon."

The cantata falls into eight main sections, each of which has a sub-title that follows the unfolding story and characters with the music contrasting in its use of 'free' passages with colourful orchestration and important lead roles for piano, harp and percussion.

They enlist the help of the mythological Salamander to carry them through Thor's barrier of fire and rescue the Moonraker and take her back to the MoonEdward Gregson

Find out more

The first performance will take place on 1st July at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (3.00pm).

Go to:

https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/whats-on/halle-magical-journeys-010718/