Saturday 4 July 2009, 7.30pm
Thank You Mr. President - An anniversary tribute to Abraham Lincoln

Fanfare for the Common Man Copland
Songs of Freedom (including Shenandoah, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, When Johnnie Comes Marching Home) James Burton
Largo from the New World Symphony Dvorák
Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer Scott Joplin
Agnus Dei Barber
A Lincoln Portrait Copland
Showboat: Can't help loving dat man of mine; Old man river Kern
Porgy and Bess: Summertime; Bess you is my woman now Gershwin

James Burton conductor
Sarah Fox soprano  |  Robert Winslade Anderson bass
Hallé Choir  |  Hallé Children's Choir

In a small square off Brazennose Street in Manchester, there is a statue of Abraham Lincoln, who was born 200 years ago this year. It exists because of the sacrifices and generosity shown by Lancashire mill workers during the American civil war, and the heart-felt thanks that were expressed in a letter the President sent to the people of the city.

Tonight's concert evokes elements of Lincoln's world and the country he led out of slavery. Music has often told America's story, and our programme reflects the history, passions and conflicts of that unique nation.

The evening will include Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, and a special performance of A Lincoln Portrait, written for speaker and orchestra. This work includes short settings of poems and texts, as well as Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Copland also quotes two traditional American tunes: the eighteenth-century ballad Springfield Mountain and Stephen Foster's minstrel song Camptown Races.

There will also be a performance of Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei - his own angelic choral arrangement of the Adagio for Strings.

Tickets £13.50  |  £19  |  £25  |  £29.50

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Travelling to concerts this weekend.
Auditions for The X-Factor are taking place at Manchester Central (opposite The Bridgewater Hall on Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. There is likely to be a higher than usual demand for parking in the area. Please allow extra time for your journey.