The Isle of Man Arts Council is very proud to present the Halle in the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July 2011. The Halle is Britain’s longest-established permanent, professional symphony orchestra -- Sir Mark Elder became its Music Director in 2000, and its leader is Lyn Fletcher. Saturday 23rd July 7.30pm The Halle, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, will perform Bax’s Tintagel, Sibelius Symphony No 1 and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto featuring Violin Soloist Jennifer Pike, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2002. Sunday 24th July 2.00pm Andrew Gourlay will conduct a matinee concert comprising Bizet’s Carmen: Suite No 1, Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals (with Narrator Sir Mark Elder), Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet excerpts. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said “We are delighted to be welcoming this internationally renowned orchestra to the Island. It is not often we get the opportunity to hear live classical music played at this level and I certainly hope the Manx public will join us for these wonderful concerts.” Tickets start at ?16 (concessions available) and can be purchased from the Villa Marina Ticket Hotline on Tel: 600555, from The Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas or online at http://www.villagaiety.com. Further details can be found on the IOM Arts Council’s website at www.iomarts.com. -Ends-