The Hallé brings the soul of Spain to The Bridgewater Hall with its latest Rush Hour concert

Promising a restorative and uplifting reprieve from the evening frenzy, the Hallé’s Rush Hour concert series welcomes city centre commuters and classical first-timers to enjoy a programme of post-work performances by an array of world-renowned musicians at The Bridgewater Hall. On Thu 7 March, the Hallé’s former Assistant Conductor Delyana Lazarova guides audiences on a rousing voyage through the vibrant, fiery heart of Spain.

Beginning at 6pm, Rush Hour: España opens with a folk-inspired arrangement by Chabrier, whose buoyant work embodies the surprisingly rich tradition of French tributes to the musical essence of their neighbour, leading aptly into Bizet’s sleek, powerful and subtly menacing Suite No. 1 from Carmen, concluding with the iconic ‘Toreadors’ March’.

While composers around the globe have produced a sparkling selection of paeans to the inimitable Iberian soul, a Spaniard knows his home like no other: for Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, an arresting composition which imbues delicate, tender melody with the blazing passion of flamenco, the Hallé welcomes Craig Ogden to deliver a majestic guitar rendition of the 1939 masterpiece. Following Piazzolla’s blistering Libertango, the concert delivers a fitting climax with the serpentine melodies and breathtaking crescendo of Ravel’s Bolero.

Click here to book tickets, with £6 tickets available for anyone in full-time education and discounts available for Under 30s, Over 60s, claimants and disabled patrons.