Petroc Trelawny celebrates the life and work of the much-loved conductor
John Barbirolli in a special evening of programmes live from the Bridgewater Hall. Born 100 years ago today of Italian and French parents, Giovanni Battista Barbirolli's 40-year career began in the opera house but flourished in the concert hall, first as permanent conductor of the New York Philharmonic and then -from
1943 until his death in 1970 - at the helm of the Halle Orchestra. Barbirolli was passionate about English music - particularly the works of Elgar and Vaughan Williams which feature in tonight's concert, performed by the Halle orchestra under music director Kent Nagano.

7.30 As a prelude to the evening, Michael Kennedy, Barbirolli's biographer, looks back to 1943 and the beginning of Barbirolli's years as permanent conductor of the Halle Orchestra.

7.40 Elgar Overture: Cockaigne (In London Town) Halle Orchestra/Kent Nagano

8.00 Michael Kennedy explores
Barbirolli's love of English music-in particular his association with Vaughan Williams, who dedicated his Symphony No 8to "Glorious John".

8.05 Vaughan Williams Symphony No 8 Halle Orchestra, conductor Kent Nagano

8.30 Barbirolli and the Halle
Lyndon Jenkins introduces conversation and reminiscences of Barbirolli's time with the Halle Orchestra, recorded last evening in front of a Bridgewater Hall audience. With contributions from Lady Barbirolli, Daniel Barenboim, Michael Kennedy and former members of the Halle staff and players.

8.55 Brahms Piano Concerto No 1 in D minor Daniel Barenboim, Halle Orchestra, conductor Kent Nagano

9.55 Barbirolli Abroad
Barbirolli was in his mid-30s when the invitation came to conduct a series of concerts with the New York Philharmonic.
It was a controversial appointment: he was the youngest conductor to achieve such recognition. Then in the sixties he ventured abroad again, touring with the Philharmonia and the BBC Symphony
Orchestra and appearing regularly with the Berlin Philharmonic.

10.20 A Flourish for Glorious John
A selection of Barbirolli's finest recordings ends the evening, including part of his celebrated recording of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius; the Adagio from Mahler's
Symphony No 5; and some of his famous Halle lollipops. Also included are tributes from friends and colleagues.
Producers Paul Hindmarsh and Edwina Wolstencroft