Paul Carey Jones performed in Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 in Manchester last Friday, a “thrilling triumph” concert of Chetham’s School of Music’s 50th year's celebration

Photo credit: Sara Porter

Acclaimed Bass-Baritone Paul Carey Jones performed in Mahler's masterpiece, the Symphony No. 8 at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, UK last Friday as part of a special concert celebrating Chetham’s School of Music’s 50th anniversary year.

Alongside Cheltham’s Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stephen Threlfall, the musicians welcomed many exceptional special guests such as singers, instrumentalists and choirs from all over the UK to join them for Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand”, one of the largest-scale choral works that require huge instrumental and vocal forces. 
Divided into two parts, the first half of the symphony is based on the Latin text of a Christian hymn from the 9th century: Veni creator spiritus. Part two is based on the closing scene of Goethe’s Faust in which Paul performed as “Pater Profundus”. The overall theme by the romantic composer unifying the whole work is about redemption through the power of love.

Conductor Stephen Threlfall made a glorious farewell last Friday in his last UK concert as Director of Music after 24 years as he conducted nearly 500 performers!
The concert was a “thrilling triumph” and ended in “standing ovations” (The Arts Desk).

If you have missed the concert you can tune in here as it will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday 10 July at 19:30.

“[…] gentler qualities to bloom in her solo as one of the More Perfect Angels in Part Two, the setting of the closing scene of Goethe’s Faust, […] along with Paul Carey Jones as Pater Profundus.”

The Arts Desk

 You can read the full review here!

Special guests included:
Ailish Tynan soprano, Gweneth Ann Rand soprano, Mark le Brocq tenor, Kitty Whately mezzo-soprano, Margaret McDonald soprano, Gareth John baritone, Caroline Taylor soprano
Paul Carey Jones bass-baritone

Chetham’s Chorus, Leeds Festival Chorus, St George’s Singers, Greater Manchester Hub Youth Choir, Manchester Cathedral Choristers, Hereford Cathedral School Children’s Choir