Name: William Byrd Singers – Christmas Oratorio
Start: 2025-12-14T14:30:00
Location: The Stoller Hall

William Byrd Singers

The Stoller Hall

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

The William Byrd Singers, one of the North West’s finest chamber choirs, return to the Stoller Hall to perform this seasonal favourite from one of the world’s best-loved composers. The music, sung in the original German and accompanied with period instruments, is joyful, pastoral and dramatic, full of lyrical solos and spectacular choruses. This concert is a must for your Christmas calendar.