On Wednesday night, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall hosted the European debut of Stephen Hough’s new piano concerto, performed by Hough himself alongside the Hallé Orchestra under the baton of Sir Mark Elder. This event is one of the last in the partnership between Elder and the Hallé.
The concerto, titled "The World of Yesterday," draws inspiration from Stefan Zweig's memoir and evokes musical nostalgia, looking back to the interwar period with influences from composers like Bartók, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninov. The piece features three linked movements, blending Americana and jazz elements with a modern twist. Notable sections include a wistful waltz reminiscent of Bill Evans and a virtuosic tarantella.
The program also included Dvořák’s "Scherzo Capriccioso," Butterworth’s "A Shropshire Lad Rhapsody," and Elgar’s "Enigma Variations," showcasing the Hallé’s versatility and Elder’s precise direction. The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on May 22. The performances are part of a series concluding on May 19.