The Stoller Hall

West End Musical Choir

This semi-staged concert is based on our preconceptions of mental illness, with each piece having a connection to the psychology of the mind – centred around Peter Maxwell Davies’ harrowing depiction of the ‘madness’ of King George III.

Maxwell Davies was a key member of the Manchester School of Composers, who reshaped the landscape of British music in the late 20th century. 8 Songs for a Mad King is a melodrama with a libretto based on the real-life observations of King George III, presenting an extravagant and disturbing portrayal of his condition. 

Vocalising weirdly as he bemoans his fate, trying to teach his instrumentalist-birds to sing – our musicians becoming projections from within his own mind.

Manchester Camerata: 8 Songs for a Mad King

West End Musical Choir is the UK’s leading Musical Theatre Performance Choir, based in London and Manchester. Conducted by Professional Musical Directors straight from The West End & Broadway.

The Summer presentation is a celebration and showcase of the material our Manchester choir have been mastering this term.