Local singers and musicians of all ages have the unique chance to perform with The Halle orchestra, led by Lyn Fletcher, this summer.

The Isle of Man Arts Council is bringing the world famous orchestra to the Island for performances at the Villa Marina on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June.

As part of the orchestra’s Come and Play with The Halle initiative, local people who sing or play an orchestral or band instrument, guitar or ukulele have the chance to be part of the Sunday afternoon performance, commencing at 2pm.

Geoff Corkish MBE MLC, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: ‘This is a unique and exciting opportunity for local singers and musicians to perform with one of the world’s best known and most critically acclaimed orchestras.

‘This ties in with the Programme for Government, in which we pledge to nurture culture and the arts by encouraging creative activity.’

Four works – two choral and two instrumental – have been selected:

Believe by Lin Marsh
Super hero Blues by Neil Bennison and Steve Pickett, which was specifically written for Come and Play events
Cuckoo Polka by Johann Strauss
Tequila by Chuck Rio

and participants will meet in advance to rehearse them.

Rehearsals will be run by Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service for the Department of Education and Children.

Rehearsals take place at St Ninian’s Lower School on Thursday 25th May and Wednesday 14th June from 7-8pm. Participants must commit to attend one or both of these sessions.

There is no restriction on age or ability but participants must be able to read music.

There will be two levels of music: one for players who haven’t been learning for long and another for those who are more experienced.
To register your interest in taking part, contact the Arts Council on 01624 694598 or iomartscouncil.dec@gov.im by Friday 28th April.
Spaces are expected to fill quickly.

Tickets for The Halle are on sale via www.villagaiety.com or the ticket hotline on 01624 600555, concessions are available including a family ticket concession available for the Sunday afternoon performance.

The Halle’s visit is sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, PokerStars, Tower Insurance and Manx Radio, via its ‘In Association With’ package.

The Halle is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.