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The insiders' take on bringing great classical music to audiences in 21st-century Britain.

The insiders' take on bringing great pieces of classical music to audiences in 21st-century Britain.

How to Play: Elgar's Enigma Variations with Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra

Elgar's Enigma Variations with Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra

BBC Radio 4 - How to Play, Elgar's Enigma Variations with Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra

Eavesdropping on rehearsals, musicians give insiders' perspectives on preparing Elgar.

Eavesdropping on rehearsals, musicians give an insider's perspective on Elgar's Enigma Variations and show how they work together to bring his music to life in the concert hall.

We eavesdrop on rehearsals as Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra prepare for a performance of Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The Hallé’s Music Director, Sir Mark Elder and players from the orchestra give us their insider's perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to bring it to life in the concert hall. 

Associate Leader, Sarah Ewins, Principal Viola, Tim Pooley and Principal Flute, Amy Yule all describe the delights and challenges of working on this piece. 
Sir Mark Elder discusses his role in uniting the players in a fresh and cohesive performance. 

And Em Marshall-Luck, Founder-Director of the English Music Festival, gives historical context to the music.

Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales

Photo credit: Russell Hart

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