BBC Philharmonic Works With Salford Students

17 November 2009

The award-winning BBC Philharmonic and BBC Radio 3 have commissioned Salford based composer Alan Williams to write a piece of music that celebrates the scientific theory of creation, or 'the big bang.'

The new work, "Wonder: A Scientific Oratorio" will be premiered by the full forces of the BBC Philharmonic at Salford University, alongside the BBC Singers and Salford Choral Society, conducted by Tecwyn Evans.

Setting the scene, theatre designer David Millard will transform The Maxwell Hall into a 'cosmic garden', while BBC TV's Gary Moore will project a montage of rarely seen images of deep space, sourced from the Hubble telescope.

Complementing the performance, 250 schoolchildren and students from Salford have created an art installation and a haunting soundscape to partner Alan's work. Included in this are Music and Art students from the Eccles Centre of Salford City College, who have been working closely with David Millard, over the past few months, to create their contribution.

There will be three performances of "Wonder: A Scientific Oratorio", on Friday 27 November at 7pm and Saturday 28 November at 4pm and 7pm. More information and booking details can be found at bbc.co.uk/philharmonic.

Tickets are £8 from Quaytickets: Telephone 0843 2080500 or online at www.quaytickets.com.