Enjoying retirement
In The Red Rose County
We had passed the Manchester Hall (former Freemasons Hall) a few times without quite knowing what goes on there. In fact there are a whole host of facilities including 3 restaurants - Boujee, Dishooms and Masons. It was to the latter we were headed and what a great surprise it was. Firstly, the interior of the whole building is exceptionally grand....... ....but also Masons on the ground floor was lovely. And the food was terrific. Sunday lunch? Usually boring. Not this though, and my beef was probably the best I have ever had. The cocktails and puddings absolutely delicious. Service first class. So all-in-all a great experience we will most definitely repeat. We then made our way to the Bridgewater Hall, passing through the Town Hall colonades.... past the Midland Hotel.... ....and so to our destination, the ultra modern Bridgewater. The concert itself - Mahler's Symphony Number 3 - was terrific. The Third is actually the longest piece in any orchestra's repertoire. To quote one critic " .....the whole work came in at around 115 minutes. Not once during that time did the drama sag." In the morning I had listened to a recording of most of the first movement, but here in the round was better by, what, a factor of 10. The difference is simply incredible. Both the Guardian and The Times gave it Five Stars. Totally deserved. It ended in a standing ovation (granted parents of the Halle Children's Choir would have been there!). We're lucky to have the Halle on our doorstep. The Times Concert life at its most alive
★★★★★ At a certain point this Mahler Symphony No 3 transformed from the very good to the sublime. I almost didn’t notice it happening, so powerful was that sensation of being utterly consumed by the music, of living and experiencing it rather than simply listening to and observing the performance. The Guardian Hallé/Elder review ★★★★★ Elder’s measured passion unleashes Mahler’s magic Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Mahler’s huge Third Symphony marked a triumphant opening of the Hallé’s spring season
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August 2023
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