Sir John Barbirolli (1899-1970), above all, is remembered as conductor of the Halle Orchestra in Manchester, an orchestra he saved from dissolution in 1943 and conducted for the rest of his life. People who visit the Bridgewater Concert Hall will be familiar with the imposing bronze statue of him that greets you as you go inside. He has remained an iconic figure, both in Manchester and in the history of national music in the UK. The life of this major figure of 20th Century music will be discussed.

Tickets £6