2010 Reviews
Tuesday 1st June 2010
Read critics reviews of 2010 Perth Festival shows
Click on the links to read recent press coverage
01/06/2010 The Herald - Gordon Seith Review Click here
30/05/2010 The Scotsman - Tommy Smith Review Click here
28/05/2010 The Herald - BBC Singers Review Click here
28/05/2010 The Herald - RSAMD Review Click here
28/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - McFall's Chamber Review Click here
28/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Ukelele Orchestra Review Click here
28/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Church cafe serves Art on the River Click here
25/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Don Pasquale Review Click here
25/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Marriage of Figaro Review Click here
25/05/2010 The Courier - Will Self - Self Portrait Click here
25/05/2010 The Scotsman - Review: A Midsummer Night's Dream Click here
24/05/2010 The Herald - A Finely Tuned Partnership by Michael Tumelty Click here
24/05/2010 - The Herald Perth Festival opera reviews - Click here
21/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Perth Festival of the Arts Opens Click here
20/05/2010 The Scotsman - Interview: Sir Andrew Davies by Ken Walton Click here
18/05/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Michael Marra and McFall's Chamber... Click here
15/05/2010 The Press and Journal - Fair City to host Art on the River Click here
05/05/2010 The Herald - "Truly A Class Apart" by Michael Tumelty Click here
10/03/2010 The Times - Don Pasquale Review Click here
05/03/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Sharleen Spiteri Click here
26/01/2010 Perthshire Advertiser - Funding Click here
12/01/2010 The Herald Festival - Preview Click here
Big Weekend
Friday 28th May 2010
Perth Festival is gearing up for a big weekend with 3 big blockbuster concerts in Perth Concert Hall starting with Barbara Bonney and the RSNO on Friday night followed by Sharleen Spiteri on Saturday night and the Halle Orchestra with Alison Balsom on Sunday. There are tickets available for the RSNO and the Halle.
For something completely different check out Will Self in Perth Theatre on Friday night and Festival favourites Kit & the Widow at the Theatre on Saturday night. Saturday morning in St John's Kirk sees Perth student Gordon Seith play with Pure Brass - tickets still available for all shows.
Sandra Ralston said " We can breathe a sigh of relief now that we have met our ticket sales target. There is always the concern when you programme such a big event that you may not sell enough tickets to cover the costs. The ticket sales have been wonderful so far and we hope that people will come in numbers this weekend".
Of course there are lots of free events too with the ever popular Art on the River. There will be 40 art and craft stalls on Saturday and Sunday along Tay Street and many exhibitions around Perth including the Andy Warhol exhibition and Stella Steyn exhibitions at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, The Blooming Artists at the Studio Theatre, The Perthshire Art Association in St Matthews Church in Tay Street and many more.
Festival Starts Tomorrow
Tuesday 18th May 2010
Perth Festival Starts Tomorrow
19 – 30 May 2010
Perth Festival of the Arts starts tomorrow Wednesday 19th May when Don McLean and his band from Nashville roll into town. Don’s support is singer Lesley Roley. This is the 39th Perth Festival and it has come a long way since it was founded in 1972.
The programme now covers a wide range of art forms from classical music and opera to jazz, rock, comedy and visual art. Tickets are still available for nearly all events including high profile concerts such as Don McLean, Rich Hall, The Halle Orchestra with Alison Balsom, The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, the Perth 800 Concert with Barbara Bonney and the RSNO and many more. Check www.perthfestival.co.uk for details.
Shows in next few days feature English Touring Opera’s three productions of Don Pasquale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Marriage of Figaro. American stand-up Rich Hall appears at Perth Concert Hall on Friday night and Tiree band Skerryvore will be playing at the first Festival Fling in Perth Concert Hall on Saturday night supported by Gary Innes and the Highland Soap Dodgers.
Looking forward to next week the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will play at the Concert Hall next Tuesday. They are creating a lot of interest from all ages. This concert is a Scottish exclusive so people are coming from far and wide to see them. Tickets are still available.
Some of the gems in this years programme include an acclaimed production of Animal Farm, Michael Marra and McFall’s Chamber, Gyles Brandreth, The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra playing Rhapsody in Blue, Flanders and Swann, Kit & the Widow and the thoughts of Will Self – not to be missed.
Brewin Dolphin Festival Concerts
Thursday 6th May 2010
Alison played at this year’s Last Night of the Proms and in 2009 became the first ever Briton to be crowned "Female Artist of the Year" at the Classical BRITs. Edward Gardner is the Music Director of English National Opera.
Brewin Dolphin Divisional Director John Cowmeadow expressed his delight that the continued support that Brewin Dolphin offers the Festival will result in another fabulous finale for the 2010 event.
The relationship with Brewin Dolphin is now in its sixth year and has enabled the Festival to bring world-class artists such as Bryn Terfel, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Nicola Benedetti, Lesley Garrett, Julian Lloyd Webber, Peter Donohoe and Tasmin Little to Perth.
Perth Festival Chairman Craig Dennis said “We at Perth Festival of the Arts are delighted that Brewin Dolphin is continuing their Sponsorship in 2010. This relationship has been highly important to the Festival as we seek to bring more significant cultural events to the Fair City.”
HSBC Announces Festival Sponsorship Deal
Tuesday 4th May 2010
The HSBC Perth Festival Operas, to be staged in Perth Theatre in May 2010, include “Don Pasquale" by Donizetti, "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart and "A Midsummer Night's Dream” by Britten.
This will be the first time the Festival has had three different operas on consecutive nights. In addition to supporting the Festival Operas, HSBC will also sponsor the series of Schools Concerts by Perthshire Schools.
John Rendall, Chief Executive, HSBC Scotland said: “We’re looking forward to being part of the buzz surrounding the annual arts festival and are delighted to be associated with what I’m sure will be one of the highlights of the events programme.“
“Since opening our branch in Perth over two years ago, we’ve been working hard to raise our profile and establish ourselves as part of the community. By helping to support what is established as a leading Arts Festival, this sponsorship gives us another opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the City and surrounding area.”
Festival Chairman Craig Dennis commented “We are delighted with this new partnership with HSBC. Now that they have a branch in Perth we are looking forward to working closely with them. Opera is a key feature of the Festival and English Touring Opera stages such high quality productions. It is a perfect event for HSBC."
HSBC opened its Perth retail branch in 2008, marking the first time the bank had had a presence in the city. The branch, located on the High Street, offers the full range of banking services to both new and existing retail and commercial banking customers, and forms a key part of the HSBC’s regional branch network in Scotland.
The Festival is now in its 39th year and is staging special events to coincide with the Perth 800 celebrations with mark the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210. The programme includes orchestral concerts, rock concerts, jazz, comedy, art exhibitions. Some of the artists include American soprano Barbara Bonney, the RSNO, Sir Andrew Davis, The Hallé Orchestra, Alison Balsom, The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, American Pie Don McLean, The BBC Singers, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Rich Hall, "Kit and the Widow", Gyles Brandreth, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and much more.
2010 A Special Year for Perth Festival
Monday 3rd May 2010
2010 is shaping up to be a special year for Perth Festival of the Arts.
2010 is a special year for Perth Festival of the Arts. The Festival is participating in the celebrations for
The Festival has now launched its 39th programme to be staged in Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and
The Festival will stage a Gala Concert for
Other classical highlights include The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert which will close the Festival and this year will feature The Hallé Orchestra from
In a new collaboration with HSBC bank, English Touring Opera stages three major operas at Perth Theatre – "Don Pasquale" by Donizetti, "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart and "A Midsummer Night's Dream” by Britten. This will be the first time the Festival has had three different operas on consecutive nights.
The concert by the BBC Singers will feature some works by local composer Robert Carver and will be broadcast live on Radio 3. The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra will play a programme of “Scheherazade” and “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini”.
Don McLean,
Sharleen Spiteri, who is famous for fronting the multi-million selling UK pop rock band Texas with three multi-platinum albums and thirteen top ten hits, has also joined this year’s Perth Festival line-up. After one solo record she has just launched her second and this time she's thinking about movies – “The Movie Songbook”.
Other shows include
- Popular American stand up Rich Hall
- Festival favourites The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
- Kit & The Widow who return after a successful Edinburgh Fringe run this summer
- An Audience with Will Self
- An Audience with Gyles Brandreth
- Guy Masterson’s production of Animal Farm
- Scottish National Jazz Orchestra,
- A Festival Fling with Tiree band Skerryvore
-
- Antiques expert Eric Knowles,
- Mr McFall's Chamber Tour and Michael Marra
and a beautiful drama called Martha by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company.
Over many years the Festival has supported young musicians from
The Festival Art Exhibition at
Booking opens on Monday 29th March. Telephone lines 01738 621031 and online booking starts at 10am.More information at www.perthfestival.co.uk
Shop Competition
Sunday 2nd May 2010
The Festival's Annual Shop Window Competition has been won by Innovations, in Abbot Street.
The competition, which this year received a record number of entrants, was close run. In the end Innovations were the winners, with Fun Junction and Watsons of Perth each recieving a Highly Commended. McIntyres Florist on George Street and Aitken & Niven both recieved commendations from the judges.
The Festival organisers were delighted with the high level of entrants and appreciate the support given by all the retailers. The shops which participated were - The Tayberry Gallery, Ivory Whites, Danscot, George Campbell & Sons, Theo & Tilly, Pretty Things, Innovations, Fun Junction, Watsons of Perth, McIntyres and Aitken & Niven.
Festival launches 2010 Programme
Tuesday 16th March 2010
Festival launches 2010 Programme
2010 is shaping up to be a special year for Perth Festival of the Arts. It has today launched a significant part of its 39th programme to be staged in Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and St John’s Kirk from the 19th to 30th May. The programme includes three orchestral concerts, three operas, rock concerts, jazz, comedy, art exhibitions with more events to be announced in the coming weeks.
Don McLean, America's legendary singer-songwriter will open the Festival on Wednesday 19th May. He has over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide and his impressive back-catalogue includes the instantly recognisable “And I Love You So”, “Vincent”, “Castles In The Air” and his cover of Roy Orbison's “Crying” (which reached no. 1 in the UK). However, he is perhaps best known for his 1971 no.1 smash “American Pie”. It was inspired by the death of Buddy Holly and a social critique on modern America.
The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert will close the Festival and this year will feature The Hallé Orchestra from Manchester with trumpeter Alison Balsom and conductor Edward Gardner on Sunday 30th May at Perth Concert Hall. Alison played at this year’s Last Night of the Proms and in 2009 became the first ever Briton to be crowned "Female Artist of the Year" at the Classical BRITs. Edward Gardner is the Music Director of English National Opera. Brewin Dolphin Divisional Director John Cowmeadow expressed his delight that the continued support that Brewin Dolphin offers the Festival will result in another fabulous finale for the 2010 event.
The relationship with Brewin Dolphin is now in its sixth year and has enabled the Festival to bring world-class artists such as Bryn Terfel, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Nicola Benedetti, Lesley Garrett, Julian Lloyd Webber, Peter Donohoe and Tasmin Little to Perth.
The rich classical programme will also include a special Gala Concert to celebrate Perth 800 with the soprano Barbara Bonney, the RSNO and conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. American-born Barbara Bonney is one of the world's most accomplished lyric sopranos. She now leads the field in her chosen repertory of roles by Mozart and Richard Strauss and is increasingly recognised as one of the finest Lieder and concert performers of her generation.
The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra will also play on the 23rd May and their programme includes “Scheherazade” and “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini”.
In a new collaboration with HSBC bank, English Touring Opera stages three major operas at Perth Theatre – "Don Pasquale" by Donizetti, "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart and "A Midsummer Night's Dream” by Britten. This will be the first time the Festival has had three different operas on consecutive nights.
The BBC Singers will perform in Perth Concert Hall and will be broadcast live on Radio 3. The concert will feature some works by local composer Robert Carver. Other shows include The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, who has been very popular at summer festivals, "Kit and the Widow" who return after a successful Edinburgh Fringe run this summer, An Audience with Gyles Brandreth, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Tommy Smith, Brian Kellock, Tam White - "Rhapsody in Blue" and Mr McFall's Chamber Tour and Michael Marra.
Over many years the Festival has supported young musicians from Perth who have decided to make their careers in music. This year it is the turn of trombone player Gordon Seith, who will give a recital in St John’s Kirk with the ensemble Pure Brass. There will also be two Coffee Concerts by The Royal Scottish Academy for Music and Drama. Perth Youth Orchestra will also play at this year’s Festival Service.
The Festival Art Exhibition at Perth Museum and Art Gallery will feature Andy Warhol’s early drawings, stitched photographs, prints and posters. The popular Art on the River stalls along Tay Street will be staged again by Perth City Centre Management on the weekend of 29th and 30th May.
Perth 800
Friday 26th February 2010
Perth 800 is a year long programme of events in Perth & Kinross which will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210.
Perth Festival is staging a Gala Concert for Perth 800 on Friday 28th May in Perth Concert Hall featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Barbara Bonney conducted by Sir Andrew Davis.
View the Festival Brochure
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