Haçienda Classical to open Glastonbury

Glastonbury

Glastonbury Festival 2017 will be opened by Manchester’s Haçienda Classical with Graeme Park, Mike Pickering and Manchester Camerata.

The act will perform on the legendary Pyramid Stage in the Friday morning slot which marks the beginning of this year’s sold-out festival.

Haçienda Classical is made up of Park and Pickering, the original DJs from the famous dance club which was hugely popular in Manchester in the 80s and 90s, they will be joined by Manchester Camerata, conducted by Tim Crooks.

Park said: “I’m utterly thrilled to be opening the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year. It’s a real honour to appear on the stage where I’ve seen so many of my favourite artists and legends play.

“Bringing Haçienda Classical to Glasto is a mouth-watering prospect and one that is sure to excite the Glastonbury crowd.”

The group aims to reinvent the dance classics which made the Haçienda so special whilst putting a modern twist on proceedings.

Bob Riley, chief executive of Manchester Camerata, added: “Haçienda Classical has bound together amazing artists and audiences in a unique Mancunian musical story.

“The opportunity to play Glastonbury and open the Pyramid Stage, is a massive honour and privilege for Manchester Camerata.”

The Pyramid Stage is the largest and most recognisable stage at Glastonbury having played host to some of the biggest bands of the past 50 years.

About Haçienda Classical at Glastonbury 2017, the project’s executive producer Peter Hook said: “After forty years in the music business I still count my three appearances at Glastonbury as the peaks of my career, to be back with Haçienda Classical in 2017 is another landmark moment and is dedicated to Tony Wilson and Rob Gretton to celebrate their contribution to British music and culture.”

Last year’s Pyramid Stage saw The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians with Damon Albarn and guests in the opening spot.

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