ONE of Britain’s most popular and well-known sopranos will open a world-renowned orchestra’s season.

Soprano Lesley Garrett and The Hallé’s music director Sir Mark Elder, who recently visited Bolton to showcase the orchestra to pupils at Essa Academy, will begin the 156th Manchester season on Wednesday, September 25.

There will be three concerts at The Bridgewater Hall, during which Lesley will bring her talent, charisma and charm to a selection of exquisite songs by Barber, as well as English folk songs, arranged by Britten and his teacher Frank Bridge.

Lesley is a long-standing friend of the Hallé, and has won both critical acclaim and the affection of many fans and music lovers.

She said: “I am delighted to return to The Bridgewater Hall stage with the fabulous Hallé to open their 2013-14 season.

“I always enjoy the warm welcome of the Manchester audiences and performing alongside Sir Mark is always a pleasure.”

The opening concerts belong to the Hallé's Opus One series in which the same programme is performed three times in one week — a Wednesday matinee and two evening performances, on a Thursday and Sunday.

The concert also features Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a touching musical tribute to the composer’s wife and his friends.

A work close to the Hallé’s heart, it was one of the first releases on the Hallé’s own label with consummate Elgarian Sir Mark at the helm.

Sir Mark also conducts the Hallé’s opening Thursday Series concert on Thursday, October 3, featuring Shostakovich’s groundbreaking Leningrad Symphony.

Premiered in 1942, at the height of the Nazi siege, it is packed with power and emotional charge.

Preceding the symphony will be the world premiere of Britten’s Britain to America. Composed for a series of NBC radio plays, it dates back from 1942 and has never been performed live before.

A lighter mood follows on Saturday, October 5, as Hallé favourite, Carl Davis, returns to conduct The Wild West, a concert of popular Western film and TV classics.

Tickets cost from £10 to £39, excluding Bridgewater Hall booking fees. Visit halle.co.uk for more information.