The Manchester International Festival takes place from 2nd - 19th July 2009, and this year's program is packed full of world-class art, music, theatre and performance. Some of the names taking part include Elbow and The Halle Orchestra, Carlos Acosta, Damon Albarn, Gustav Metzger, Rufus Wainwright, Punchdrunk, Marina Abramovic and Kraftwerk.

Incredible Track Record
Two years ago the organisers were responsible for a stunning series of world premieres, including the unveiling of the ambitious and utterly brilliant Monkey: Journey to The West, a stage version of The Pianist, and the Gorillaz live in concert. Both Monkey and the Gorillaz productions went on to do dates worldwide, but Manchester was where it all started.

The Gorillaz event, in particular, was a life affirming experience for many who attended. Damon Albarn was joined by artists from the album including De La Soul, Ike Turner, Roots Manuva and the one and only Shaun Ryder. Performing Its Dare in front of a hometown audience, Ryder brought the house down. For a festival so outward-looking, it was also good to see local, young school children involved in the performance of Dirty Harry. They were from two schools in Wythenshawe, Newall Green and Parklands, and they subsequently went on to take place in performances on Jonathon Ross and at the Gorillaz concert in New York. A once in a lifetime experience for real.

This Time Around
A buzz fizzed around the room at the Manchester Art Gallery as this year’s full roster of events were announced. The buzz turned to laughter when Elbow’s front man Guy Garvey quipped that the band’s collaboration with the Halle Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall will be the first time they’ve met outside of the Briton’s Protection pub across the road.

Kraftwerk at Manchester Velodrome
One of biggest reactions of the afternoon was reserved for the moment the iconic imagery of Kraftwerk was beamed onto the screen behind the panelists. The announcement was a serious coup for the festival and the fact it is taking place at the Manchester Velodrome heightened the anticipation even further. Widely recognised as the original pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk have connections with cycling, one of their founders, Ralf Hutter, is on record as saying their Tour de France album was inspired by cycling.

Rufus Wainwright As Composer
An excerpt from Rufus Wainwright’s first foray into the world of opera was aired at the unveiling of this year’s events. This was introduced by its composer, who closed his eyes as the music drifted around the hall. His opera, Prima Donna at The Palace Theatre, is yet another world exclusive for the city. Wainwright has long been one of the most interesting artists in pop music and this brave move into a composer role will provide some fascinating results.

Hadid and Bach
Another incredibly ambitious event for the Manchester International Festival, in keeping with the organisers' desire to push the boundaries, is the marriage of award-winning architect Zaha Hadid and the music of Bach. The venue for this event, Manchester Art Gallery, will be transformed by Hadid and the music of Bach will be performed by Piotr Anderszewski, Jean-Guihen Queyras and Alina Ibragimova.

2009 Worldwide
Given the track record of the festival director Alex Poots and his team, the chances of this year’s Manchester International Festival events having a positive impact for Manchester on a global stage are guaranteed. The ripples of which will further Manchester’s ability to punch well above its weight on the global stage.

The Manchester International Festival takes place 2nd July - 19th July 2009 at venues across Manchester. For tickets and more information please click on the link below.

Manchester International Festival