The wonderful world of master storyteller Roald Dahl will be sensationally brought to life by Manchester’s Hallé orchestra as part of this year’s Tatton Park Concerts by the Lake.
A specially created set list themed around the author’s life and works will be performed at the concert which rounds of three nights of live music on July 30.
Widely revered as one of the greatest ever storytellers for children, Dahl’s books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide.
Hall é Pops Conductor Stephen Bell , said:“The writing of Roald Dahl is loved by children and adults alike all over the globe.
“His storytelling prowess and ability to transport people into a world of pure imagination was second to none and we’re delighted to perform this musical celebration of a great talent.
“Tatton Park Concerts by the Lake present a beautiful setting for us to perform and join with their existing programme of Dahl themed events this summer.”
Well known for their wide ranging repertoire The Hallé are now in their 158th season and are ranked as one of the top symphonic ensembles in Europe, so it is sure to be a treat for those heading to Tatton for the concert.
On the night The Hallé will recognise Dahl’s time as a WW2 fighter pilot who flew numerous actions, with a performance of Walton’s iconic Spitfire Prelude and Fugue.
During his life Dahl also spent time working at the British Embassy and MI5, meeting James Bond creator Ian Fleming. He went on to write the screenplay to You Only Live Twice and the orchestra will perform Barry’s song of the same name.
In 1971 Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was adapted for its first movie outing with music created by Lesley Bricusse and Anthony Newley. The soundtrack is a favourite with people of all ages and on the night concert goers will hear Pure Imagination composed for the film.
Saint Saens’ Danse Macabre will provide a hint of Halloween when thinking about one of Dahl’s spookier stories The Witches. The song tells the tale of Halloween where Death calls forth the dead to dance for him while he plays his fiddle, in this performance represented with a lone violinist.
In 1968 Dahl wrote the screenplay for much loved family film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Sure to have the audience singing along, the orchestra will perform the title song on the night.
Although born in Wales, both of Dahl’s parents were Norwegian and the author shared his name with national hero and explorer Roald Amundson. In a nod to his Norwegian roots The Halléwill round off their set with Grieg’s Norwegian Dance No. 2.
Promoters Cuffe and Taylor are no strangers to The Hallé after they performed at Lytham Festival in 2014 plus Concerts by the Lake in 2015, and are delighted to be working with them once again in 2016 for this special celebration of all things Dahl.
Cuffe and Taylor director Peter Taylor said:“The Hallé are, for me, unequalled in classical music circles and they are sure to be the perfect way to round off a weekend of live music.
“Not only that but this is a fantastic chance for families to come together to celebrate Roald Dahl as well as the stunning musical arrangements The Hallé have in store for us.
“Combining the storytelling, picnics, music and full fireworks spectacular this is shaping up to be a stunning night that you’ll remember for years.”
Theorchestra will be led on the night by Conductor Stephen Bell who has a wealth of experience having conducted the BBC Proms in the Park every year from 2005 to 2010, and has since then conducted the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra each year for their televised Last Night of the Proms concerts.
The Hall é are an English Symphony Orchestra and have been based at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall since 1996. They also support a choir, youth choir, youth trainer choir, children’s choir and youth orchestra, and regularly release recordings on their own award-winning label.
Tickets for all three ‘Concerts by the Lake’ events are on sale now.
For further information and to ensure you secure your ticket go to www.ticketline.co.uk or call 0844 888 9991.
Ticket prices:
Tom Jones – Adults from £37.50, children (aged 5-15) from £15
Wet Wet Wet – Adults from £45, children (aged 5-15) from £15
Hallé – Adults from £29.50, children (aged 5-15) from £15
VIP packages are available. For more details go to www.cuffeandtaylor.com