James Platt

The centrepiece of Chetham’s School of Music’s 50th anniversary year. Chetham’s musicians welcome friends from around the world, as guest players and singers join them for Mahler’s unsurpassable Symphony of a Thousand, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Soloists, instrumentalists and choirs from all corners of the UK, along with international partners from Australia, Norway and beyond, gather on The Bridgewater Hall’s stage to celebrate fifty years of musical excellence. Alongside Chetham’s senior orchestra, they fill the Hall with Mahler’s colossal vision of ‘the whole universe ringing and resounding’. Opening with a stirring creation hymn, and closing with the dramatic redemption and ascension of Faust, this mighty symphony is perhaps the greatest symphonic masterpieces in the repertoire; and, perhaps, a reflection on Chetham’s fifty year journey – from its founders’ vision of a unique musical community, to its current position at the very forefront of music education in the UK. For many of the players in their final year at Chetham’s, this concert represents their farewell to a unique School; and none more so than Stephen Threlfall, who conducts his last UK concert in as Director of Music after 24 years. At the helm for almost half its musical life, Stephen has formed Chetham’s into much of what it represents today, forging its modern identity and shaping the many friendships which have brought this concert to the stage. If Mahler’s monumental choruses are a celebration of each of the 3000 or more students and staff who have been part of Chetham’s journey since 1969, then they are also, unquestionably, a paean to Stephen – his vision, his leadership, and his continuing role as a lifelong friend of the School.