Malcolm Arnold - Peterloo Overture | Steven Hillinger | North Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The Peterloo Overture is a piece of programme music, written in 1968 to commemorate the centenary of the first meeting of the Trades Union Congress. It depicts an event held on the 16th August 1819 in St Peter's Fields, Manchester, where a peaceful outdoor meeting called to debate the subject of political reform was interrupted by the Yeomanry, a cavalry force which had been sent in by local magistrates. The exciting music paints the scene as the meeting descended into violence, before a triumphant ending representing hope for the future. Recorded on 28th September 2024 at The Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Conductor: Steven Hillinger Concertmaster: Adrian Keating