Elbow
SETTING ‘the original Manchester band’ alongside their most celebrated modern contemporaries was always going to result in a magnificent spectacle and Elbow’s collaboration with the Halle Orchestra doesn’t disappoint.
The scene was set for this ‘rock-estra’ event four years ago, with the suggestion that some of the city’s local guitar slingers might appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the classical musicians at the Bridgewater Hall.
Bury band Elbow – at that time still waiting to scratch the national consciousness – were among those who applied.
Thanks to the magic of the Manchester International Festival and enough music prizes to clutter any mantelpiece, the dream last night became a reality.
Sea of goosepimples
It opened with the love letter to Manchester that is Station Approach, instantly inducing a sea of goosepimples.
Next up, the mesmeric Mirrorball, with the Bridgewater Hall showed in cascading light from the ceiling.
The atmosphere at times was solemn, other times playful. There were just so many layers of sound – Guy Garvey’s voice, the Halle Youth Choir, the rest of Elbow spread among the orchestra themselves.
Sublime moment
Every note, every soaring harmony, every beat was created by an ensemble member.
For Elbow’s singer and lyricist Garvey this was the chance to work alongside a set of musicians whom he had first visited with his grandfatherFor fans of both classical sounds and left-of-centre chart music, it was an opportunity to witness the sublime moment when seemingly incongruous worlds collided.
The task of uniting the two fell to the Mancunian composer Joe Duddell. and all concerned have been keen to stress that the reality behind his “love letter to Manchester” was one of collaboration rather than either act backing the other.
Music with soul
It helps that Elbow’s cleverly-curated musical style should meld so seamlessly with an orchestra, that Manchester just happens to be home to such a world class ensemble, and that the Bridgewater Hall, is about the best place in the world to hear music with such soul.
To paraphrase Elbow’s biggest hit to date: “Pull those curtains wide, one night like this a year will see all of us right.”
Elbow and the Halle return to the Bridgewater Hall tonight. (July 9).
The concert is being relayed to the Castlefield arena. Admission is free on a first-come first-served basis.
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