Halle conductor hangs up his baton after 24 years

Sir Mark said he could not wish for a better finale

The man at the helm of one of Britain's oldest symphony orchestras has stepped down after 24 years marked by two sell-out concerts.

Sir Mark Elder, 77, hung up his baton as musical director with Manchester's Halle Orchestra in an emotional 48 hours.

The first half of each concert also featured the massed voices of the Hallé Choir, Hallé Youth Choir and Hallé Children’s Choir.

Sir Mark said he "could not wish for a better finale" as they performed the European premiere of James MacMillan’s Timotheus, Bacchus and Cecilia, a work specially commissioned by the Hallé.

In the second half, the Hallé performed Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.

Just one concert had originally been scheduled for Sir Mark's farewell but demand was so great it was decided to add a second consecutive night.

Sir Mark said Mahler’s Symphony No.5, was "triumphant, bright and optimistic in its conclusion."

He added: "Our work is pointless without audiences to hear it. People who come every month or once a year.

"Children from school, students from university, anyone who has ever heard our music out of curiosity.

"To every single one of you, thank you.”

Sir Mark and his orchestra received a standing ovation

He said in his choice of music he wanted to showcase the qualities of the Hallé, with its "fighting spirit, joie de vivre, determination and commitment to music-making".

Founded by Sir Charles Halle in 1858, the orchestra is based at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall and is widely regarded as one of Britain's finest ensembles.

Hexham-born Sir Mark was the music director of English National Opera from 1979-1993 and headed to Manchester in 2000.