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Festival director Ralph Kirshbaum

Manchester takes a bow

Proving that Manchester has many strings to its bow, the city is once again hosting the RNCM Manchester International Cello Festival which will on music by British composers and also feature a number of world and UK premieres.

Cellist: Yo-Yo Ma

For the 2007 event, festival director Ralph Kirshbaum has attracted a world class line-up of soloists including Yo-Yo Ma, Natalia Gutman and Colin Carr.

And Kirshbaum himself will perform the Elgar Cello Concerto, one of the best known pieces of music for Cello ever written, in the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic's concert on Saturday 5 May at the Bridgewater Hall.

Featuring solo, chamber and orchestral performances at the RNCM and the Bridgewater Hall, the four-day event will also present masterclasses with leading cellists, discussions and instrument makers’ exhibitions.

Festival highlights

Principal Conductor Gianandrea Noseda

Wed 2 May: the Festival opens with a performance by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic at the RNCM featuring two UK premieres: Colin Matthews’ Berceuse with Raphael Wallfisch as soloist and Anatolijus Senderovas’ÌýConcerto in Do with cellist David Geringas and the young Scottish conductor Garry Walker.

Thu 3 May: The Manchester Camerata who will perform a world premiere by the RNCM’s Principal, Edward Gregson, featuring the remarkable Chinese/Australian cellist, Li-Wei; the concert will also see a UK premiere of Twin Legends by Italian composer Roberto Molinelli.

Thur-Fri 3/4 May: Masterclasses take place on 3 and 4 May. Participating students are nominated by leading conservatoires, music specialist schools and the Festival’s participating artists.

Sat 5 May: The ´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic’s Principal Conductor Gianandrea Noseda conducts the orchestra in their second concert at the Bridgewater Hall. This all-British programme includes worksÌýby Britten, Bridge, Elgar and Walton and features soloists Colin Carr, Natalia Gutman, Ralph Kirshbaum and Yo-Yo Ma.

Strad Cello & Bow Making Competition. Throughout the Festival, a distinguished panel will judge cello and bow makers from all over the world.

For tickets, go to the venue websites or ring RNCM on 0161 907 5555; or Bridgewater Hall on 0161 907 9000