This delightful concert began with Geoff Dunbar’s enchanting new film version of Janáček’s much-loved work The Cunning Little Vixen, screened for the first time with live accompaniment by the Hallé. Great music and vivid animation combined magically in this moving tale of love, death and rebirth. The evening also featured the world premiere of Colin Matthews’ Alphabicycle, a spellbinding setting for orchestra and children’s choir of a set of poems by Christopher Reid. A musical adventure for all the family.

‘A great introduction to the world of opera in a well-conceived evening’ The Guardian

The animated version of The Cunning Little Vixen was commissioned by BBC Television and co-produced with Opus Arte and Los Angeles Opera, with the cooperation of the European Opera Centre. Alphabicycle was commissioned by the Hallé. The concert was produced by Manchester International Festival.