As we know, Manchester is home to one of the finest swimming pool complexes in the country. Victoria Baths, known as Manchester’s water palace, opened in 1906, playing host to swimmers and leisure seekers alike, who wished to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking their cares away. These days, while the purpose of the building may have changed, the glorious Grade II-listed pool and bathhouse still welcomes guests for other events, and over the next few months, they’ll be greeted by something really rather special…
Plunged into darkness, but for the glow of a few hundred candles, Victoria Baths will be the setting of Candlelight Special Edition: Vivaldi & Mozart Requiem on May 26 and June 11. These captivating evenings of music will pay tribute to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos – specifically spring and winter – and Mozart’s Requiem. Hearing the masterpieces of these two classical music juggernauts side by side will make for an impressive event; then to add the fabulous setting of the atmospherically lit Victoria Baths too? It’ll be spellbinding.
For those unfamiliar with Vivaldi‘s Four Seasons, his violin concertos offer a musical expression of each season of the year; at this Candlelight concert, you’ll hear the spring and winter concertos. As for Mozart‘s Requiem – which he composed most of just before his death – you can expect to hear the following pieces of music: Dies Irae, Tuba Mirum, Rex Tremendae, Confutatis, Lacrymosa, Sanctus and Agnus Dei. The compositions will be performed by the Bloomsbury Music String Quartet.
The Vivaldi and Mozart Candlelight concerts will grace Victoria Baths for two shows on each night, one at 6pm and the other 8.30pm. The heritage venue, with its stained glass windows and glass ceilings illuminated by candlelight, will make for a thoroughly magical setting and an enjoyable evening of music. Tickets are available now.