Over the course of three days, in collaboration with the RNCM, the Hallé brings you a festival celebrating his best-loved works.

Following the success of his larger-scale orchestral and stage creations, Philip Glass wanted to write something that would be more accessible to a wider audience.

He composed Glassworks, a work in six movements, in 1981. Intending it to be – aptly, for the decade – ‘Walkman-suitable’, he released both an LP and a tape cassette of the piece. Each had its own separate mix: the LP was intended for home listening and the cassette – with a headphone-specific mix – was intended for personal tape players.

Glass’s efforts paid off, and the work was an instant success. Chamber piece it may be, but it is no less rich and varied in its rhythms and textures, using members of all instrument families to create a shimmering, anthemic sound.

 

This event has transferred from Hallé St Peter’s to the RNCM Concert Hall. Original tickets for Hallé St Peter’s remain valid. Ticket booking is now open on the RNCM website.