THE MIKE AND DOROTHY HALL MEMORIAL FUND
Following the hugely successful concert conducted by Sir Mark Elder on Wednesday 10 February, we are thrilled to announce that the total raised to date is almost £23,000, and that money is continuing to arrive six months after the concert.
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HALLÉ AND CBSO WIN FINAL SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARD
On Tuesday 26 January 2010 Sir Mark Elder and Stephen Maddock accepted the final South Bank Show’s Classical Music Award for the collaborative Nielsen project which took place early in 2009.
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HALLÉ INDIVIDUALS HONOURED IN THE QUEEN'S 2010 NEW YEARS LIST
The Hallé is proud and delighted to announce that their Principal Tuba Ewan Easton has been awarded an MBE and James Loughran has been awarded an CBE in the 2010 Queen's New Year Honours list.
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THE MIKE AND DOROTHY HALL MEMORIAL FUND
More than double the original target of £10,000, this fantastic total is a result of the unbelievable generosity of members of the orchestra, audience, Mike and Dot's families and friends as well as a very substantial donation from Bolton School where Mike Hall was a pupil.
Initially it was hoped that the donations would be enough to purchase one violin for an outstanding student at the Soweto Strings Project, and any money that remained would be used to obtain a good bow and case or even another violin. However, due to the astonishing amount raised, we have been able to give so much more. Three violins, each with a bow and case, one cello with a bow and case, two additional violin bows, one additional cello bow and a wooden music stand! Buskaid's founder, Rosemary Nalden, is totally overwhelmed by everything that has been achieved.
The instruments will bear an inscription to Mike and Dot and the wooden music stand has a plaque in memory of John Adams, a former Principal Viola, who died earlier this year. The instruments were purchased from the violin shop owned by Paul Ayres, one of Mike's dearest friends and climbing partners, whose own donation was a 10% discount.
Mike and Dot were two very special people who clearly meant so much to so many and, on behalf of the players and staff at the Hallé, we would like to offer our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has shown their support.
To find out how the instruments were chosen, click here.
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HALLÉ AND CBSO WIN FINAL SOUTH BANK SHOW AWARD
Presented by Alison Balsom, the award celebrated project, Nielsen: The Inextinguishable, where all six symphonies by the Danish composer were performed in both Birmingham and Manchester in January and February 2009.
From left to right: Sir Mark Elder, Alison Balsom, Stephen Maddock
CBSO Chief Executive Stephen Maddock said:
'This is a great honour, and it’s especially pleasing for our ambitious collaboration with the Hallé to be recognised in this way. It’s a tribute to the hard-working musicians of both Orchestras, and a reminder that audiences want to be inspired and challenged as well as entertained.'
Hallé Chief Executive John Summers said:
'Sometimes things just click and the combination of the works of a composer of true genius and the remarkable talents of the two wonderful orchestras was just such an occasion. We are delighted at the award.'
The South Bank Show Awards, broadcast on ITV1 on Sunday 31 January, were hosted by Melvyn Bragg, who has presented the South Bank Show for the past 32 years. It is the only ceremony in the world to honour the best in British arts, with ten awards in categories including; TV Drama, Classical Music, Pop Music, Visual Arts, Comedy, Dance, Film, Literature, Opera and Theatre.
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HALLÉ INDIVIDUALS HONOURED IN THE QUEEN'S 2010 NEW YEARS LIST
The award pays tribute to Ewan's work at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute where he has set up Hallé4brass as a musical and educational project for the institution. The programme sees Hallé musicians working regularly with young offenders at workshops held at Thorn Cross, inspiring many young people to develop their musical skills, learn to read music and play brass instruments.
 Ewan Easton comments:
'I was both surprised and honoured by the news of this award. I am very proud to be allowed to work with the young men at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute and hope that it makes a small, positive impact on their complex lives.
'I would like to thank everyone who has helped sustain and develop the project, especially the Hallé, both musicians and management, HMYOI Thorn Cross and The Manchester College. Together we have produced a strong and effective tapestry, each providing an important thread; I am excited that together one day we may even affect the fabric of the society in which we live.'
James Loughran, who was awarded a CBE, was the Hallé's Principal Conductor from 1971-1983 and Conductor Laureate from 1983-1991.
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