THE HALLÉ – THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS: LIVE IN CONCERT
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Saturday 31st January 2026
There’s always something special about watching a film with a large crowd. The collective gasps during moments of suspense. The infectious ripples of laughter cascading through the auditorium. All gathered in eager anticipation – or celebration, as here – of what’s unfolding on the big screen.
Typically, “In Concert” presentations opt for big budget blockbusters with memorable, symphonic scores by the likes of John Williams and Hans Zimmer. Steering clear of the obvious and selecting a film like The Silence of the Lambs here proves to be something of a stroke of genius by The Hallé.
Thirty-five years on from its original theatrical release, Jonathan Demme’s multi-Oscar-winning masterpiece – driven by two seminal performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster – has lost none of its power to shock and thrill. Presented here with live accompaniment, it allows us to appreciate the great film in a dynamic new light.
Howard Shore’s atmospheric score may not be celebrated like many of those big budget Williams and Zimmer scores – or even Shore’s own later achievements (The Lord of the Rings) – but its a hugely effective work that fully deserves renewed attention and appreciation.
Perfectly underscoring the film’s psychological tension – and bringing to mind Bernard Herrmann’s landmark score for Psycho (1960) – it’s a hauntingly melodic work that beautifully complements the bleak, wintry tone, cleverly eschewing grand, sweeping themes for restrained suspense and tension.
Under the baton of conductor Caleb Young, the Hallé’s magnificent performance elevates Shore’s work to a dynamic new level. It’s a seamless and superbly controlled performance that does full justice to the haunting score without ever pulling focus or overshadowing the images on screen. On numerous occasions, we become so absorbed in the action of the film that we forget the orchestra is even on the stage in front of us; full testament to the skill, precision and command of Manchester’s majestic Hallé. A triumph!
For more information on The Hallé, and to book tickets, please CLICK HERE.
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