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. This will be premiered in Wong’s inaugural concert as Principal Conductor, in The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on 26th September 2024. 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.