CONDUCTOR emeritus of the BBC Philharmonic Sir Edward Downes is to make his 80th birthday with the orchestra in a special celebration concert on Thursday June 17, at 7.30p at The Bridgewater Hall Manchester.
Sir Edward, known universally as Ted, has enjoyed an immensely productive relationship with the orchestra and is one of the most widely respected conductors of his generation.
He is to conduct two of the pieces which are very close to his heart: The Pines of Rome by Respighi and Shostakovich's epic Symphony No 7 Leningrad.
His relationship with the Manchester-based BBC Philharmonic spans 35 years, first as chief Guest Conductor, then Principal Conductor from 1980 to 1991. They have performed together all over the world, and have recorded many CDs under the orchestra's exclusive contract for Chandos Records, including widely acclaimed interpretations of works by Verdi, Gilre, Respighi and Korngold.
Sir Edward's passionate advocacy of 20th Century Russian music has earned him international acclaim, and his exploration with the BBC Philharmonic of the works of Prokofiev and Shostakovich in particular have produced some thrilling and deeply memorable performances.
Tickets for the Sir Edward Downes 80th Birthday Concert are priced from £7 to £27 and can be purchased from The Bridgewater Hall Box Office on 0161 907 9000.
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