Antony and the Johnsons
Manchester Camerata, Paul Normandale
3 July 2009
Opera House
A genuine one-of-a-kind performer, Antony Hegarty shot to fame in 2005, when I Am A Bird Now beat a host of big names to win the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. Since then, the Chichester-born, New York-based singer with the extraordinary voice has collaborated with everyone from Lou Reed to Manhattan dance collective Hercules & Love Affair, before returning this year under his own name with The Crying Light, a breathtaking record about love, loss and the environment.
Exclusively for the Festival, Antony returns to his homeland for a pair of special concerts, conducted by Rob Moose. The singer will be joined by the 36-piece Manchester Camerata, performing new arrangements by New York composer Nico Muhly of songs from across his career and beyond. And it will all take place in the beautiful Manchester Opera House, transformed for the evening by acclaimed lighting designer Paul Normandale.
Credits
Produced by Manchester International Festival.






