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Prima Donna
The Palace Theatre
Fri 10 – Sun 19 JulySinger-songwriter Rufus Wainwright’s debut opera will premiere at Manchester International Festival 2009. Set in Paris in 1970, Régine Saint Laurent, once the world's most acclaimed operatic soprano, is preparing for her return to the stage after six years of silence. This must see show stars opera soprano Janis Kelly and the Orchestra of Opera North.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
Image © Antony Crook
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Elbow and The Hallé
The Bridgewater Hall
Wed 8 & Thu 9 JulyManchester favourites return to their home town to collaborate with another of the city’s artistic powerhouses, The Hallé orchestra. Over two nights, this exclusive show will feature songs from the bands back catalogue and a few surprises.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
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Carlos Acosta
The Lowry
Thu 9 – Sat 11 JulyIn 2007, Cuban ballet dancer Carlos Acosta thrilled packed houses at The Lowry with a series of breathtaking performances. Two years later, the greatest male ballet dancer of his generation returns to the city. Supported by a troupe of awe inspiring dancers and the BBC Philharmonic, he will perform an exclusive programme that includes Balanchine’s classic Apollo and Nijinsky’s A Suite of Dances.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
Image © Angela Taylor
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The Great Indoors
Manchester Town Hall
Sat 11 & Sun 12 JulyOne of the great successes of the first MIF, The Great Indoors is back with another awfully big, brand new adventure that lasts an entire weekend. This family-friendly event offers a world of fun and activities from a host of fabulous, new, international performers. It’s suitable for children aged 3-11, but there’s also plenty of stuff that’ll appeal to grown-ups. What’s more, it’s all entirely free.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
Image © Rude
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Everybody Loves a Winner
Royal Exchange Theatre
3rd – 18th JulyTransforming the iconic Royal Exchange into a working bingo-hall for the occasion, Everybody Loves a Winner tracks a group of twenty players through their night out at the bingo. There’ll be plenty of laughs, several broken dreams, a spot of dancing - and the chance to play for the top cash prize. Continues until 1 August.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
Image © Design by Music
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Kraftwerk with special guest Steve Reich
Manchester Velodrome
Thu 2 JulyGerman electronic wizards Kraftwerk and American composer Steve Reich, join forces for a unique show at Manchester Velodrome. Performing a two hour set, Kraftwerk will draw on their entire catalogue of work. Named “America’s greatest living composer” by the New York Times, this exclusive event will also feature the world premiere of Steve Reich’s 2x5.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
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It Felt Like a Kiss
Hardman Square, Spinningfields
Thu 2 – Sun 19 JulyAfter the success of Monkey: Journey to the West in 2007, Damon Albarn returns to MIF with renowned film maker Adam Curtis for It Felt Like a Kiss. This daring production unfolds across five floors of a disused office block – a ghost story where unexpected forces veiled by the American Dream come out from the dark to haunt you. Please note that the production contains strobe lighting and theatrical smoke.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
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JS Bach / Zaha Hadid Architects
Manchester Art Gallery
Fri 3 – Sat 18 JulyOne of the most artistic and forward-thinking architects of her generation, Zaha Hadid has created an extraordinary new chamber music hall for the festival. The aim: to create a near-perfect environment for the audience to experience some of the world’s most beautiful music; Bach’s solo instrumental work. Audiences can experience Hadid’s creation across a series of nine concerts performed by three internationally acclaimed musicians and students from the RNCM and Chetham’s will perform free lunchtime concerts each day.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets visit www.mif.co.uk.
Image © Zaha Hadid Architects