Category: Factual & Arts TV; Â鶹Éç THREE
Date: 29.11.2005
Printable version
Â鶹Éç THREE is marking Easter 2006 with a major event broadcast live from the streets of Manchester.
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Manchester Passion is a contemporary retelling of the last few hours of Jesus' life using popular music from the cream of Manchester bands from Joy Division to The Smiths and Oasis.
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This contemporary Passion follows key moments in the Gospel story and unfolds in a procession through Manchester City Centre culminating in Albert Square.
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The event will mix the words of the Bible with versions of classic popular songs by Manchester bands from the last 30 years.
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The music will be given a vibrant new twist and is performed by the characters in the drama.
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It takes its inspiration from the way Bach and other composers fused music and the Passion story.
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Philip Sheppard, Professor of Cello at the Royal Academy of Music, is arranging the music for a 16-piece string orchestra.
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He says: "I've stripped out all the guitars and drums. The songs will be played by a string orchestra with choral singing and I hope the result will be deeply moving.
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"The lyrics of the original pop songs are very fitting for the Biblical story, from Love Will Tear Us Apart to Wonderwall."
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Other music featured in the programme includes New Order's Blue Monday; Search For A Hero by M People and Sit Down from James.
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Â鶹Éç Commissioning Editor for Arts, Music and Religion Adam Kemp says: "We are excited by the possibility of introducing a new audience to the rich history of the Passion Plays.
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"We're looking forward to involving the people of Manchester in this moving live event and hopefully encouraging them to look on familiar songs with fresh eyes."
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Manchester Passion is produced by Classical Music Television, makers of the award-winning Flashmob - The Opera, also shown on Â鶹Éç THREE.
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It is executive produced by Sue Judd and directed by Phil Chilvers.
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Manchester Passion will be broadcast live on Â鶹Éç THREE at 9.00pm on Good Friday (14 April 2006).
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Members of the public who would like to participate are invited to Albert Square in Manchester from 7.30pm onwards.
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CR/HH2
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