Manchester's Hacienda nightclub comes to Sunderland in classical form

The sound that shaped an iconic nightclub will ring out at a Sunderland park as part of a series of summer concerts.
Hacienda classicalHacienda classical
Hacienda classical

Following a string of dates across the country, Haçienda Classical is to make its debut performance in the North East, bringing the critically-acclaimed show to Herrington Country Park in August.

With a set list full of dance music classics from the heyday of Manchester’s legendary Haçienda nightclub, these hit tracks have been reinterpreted by the club’s original DJs, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park, and will be performed alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, the AMC Choir and guests including New Order’s Peter Hook and Happy Mondays’ Rowetta.

Hacienda ClassicalHacienda Classical
Hacienda Classical
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The ground breaking show, on August 19, is being staged by Northern Sessions – Sunderland Live’s in-house music promoter - and is one of only nine performances of Haçienda Classical since February, a run that has seen full houses across Manchester, London, Glasgow, Lancaster, and Brighton.

The music that helped define the 80s and 90s will be performed by a full classical orchestra at Herrington Country Park, alongside the influential DJs, as part of an innovative live fusion event.

Karen Makepeace, in-house promoter for Northern Sessions, said: “For anyone who loved the dance music revolution of the late 80s and early 90s, The Haçienda held mythical status and was at the cutting edge of music.

“Working alongside the orchestra, choir and guests, Mike and Graeme have created something very special, giving fans the chance to relive those glory years.

Hacienda ClassicalHacienda Classical
Hacienda Classical
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“We’re delighted to be bringing Haçienda Classical to the North East and for Sunderland Live to be hosting such an incredible music event in the beautiful surroundings of Herrington Country Park.”

Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook, who is executive producing Haçienda Classical, added: “I’ve been amazed at how the Haçienda Classical concerts have been received so far. It’s been one of the most challenging but rewarding things I’ve done in my career and for us to be taking it around the country and coming to the North East is delightful.”

Graeme Park, who has DJd many times and has a great following in the area, said: “I can’t wait to bring Haçienda Classical to the North East. I’ve had some thrilling nights in this part of the country and I’m sure this will be no exception as the North East crowd are always up for it. Get ready to thrill to the sound of acid house like you’ve never heard it before.”

Haçienda Classical is the second Northern Sessions concert after Katherine Jenkins performed in the park last month.

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•General admission tickets are £35 and are available from www.ticketline.co.uk or through 0844 8889991.

•VIP packages, at £100, are also available, including on-site car parking, entry to a VIP enclosure with outdoor deckchair viewing area, arrival drink, access to pay bar facilities, VIP toilets and a barbecue buffet.

Further information is available at www.thenorthernsessions.co.uk.