This album marks the beginning of an innovative journey for the Hallé under its newly appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Kahchun Wong.

Internationally acclaimed for his dynamic stage presence and his thoughtful exploration of Eastern and Western artistic legacies, Singaporean-born Kahchun Wong assumes his new role with the Hallé in September 2024, following his electrifying debut with the orchestra last season.

This recording of the complete The Prince of the Pagodas ballet, the first in over a decade, reflects Wong’s interest in Balinese Gamelan and the deep connection he made during his composition studies to the work of Britten. Music which he says, ‘resonates deeply inside me’.

Wong’s interpretation reflects his interest in diverse folk traditions and is further enhanced through musicological detail, as a result of time spent at the Britten-Pears Library with Britten specialist, Composer Emeritus of the Hallé, Colin Matthews. This collaboration resulted in a new Prince of the Pagodas Suite, with selections made by Wong and Matthews.

The ballet’s fantastical story – of jealousy, magic and love – is colourfully depicted in Britten’s masterly score which is presented in this recording by the Hallé musicians at the very top of their game. The release is accompanied by an authoritative programme note by Britten scholar Philip Reed.

Since winning the Mahler Competition in 2016, Kahchun Wong has guest conducted distinguished orchestras across the world, championing a broad repertoire, forging strong relationships with many living composers and enjoying strong collaborations with leading soloists. Since 2023 he has been Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Dresdner Philharmonia. In December 2019, Wong became the first artist from Singapore to be conferred the Order of Merit by the Federal President of Germany for his dedicated service and outstanding achievements in Singaporean-German cultural relations and the advancement of German musical culture abroad.