The familiar beauty of Mozart’s Requiem, which constituted the first half of MIF15’s opening-weekend concert at The Bridgewater Hall, was never going to prepare audiences for the explosive, astonishing world premiere that followed the interval. Written by young British composer Mark Simpson, inspired by the stranger-than-fiction Victorian belief in occultism, and performed with fierce skill by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Juanjo Mena, with baritone Mark Stone, EXAUDI and the Manchester Chamber Choir, The Immortal was one of the highlights of MIF15.

‘The best new oratorio I’ve heard in years… Superbly realised by the BBC Philharmonic under Juanjo Mena… I immediately wanted to hear it again’ ***** The Times

‘Blazingly original’ The Guardian

Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival. Supported by MIF Commissioning Circle and Sky Academy Arts Scholarship.