2012 Festival - Nigel Kennedy, Jools Holland, Carol Kidd, Tim Brooke- Taylor & more
Monday 2nd January 2012
For over twenty-five years, he has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. He is the best selling classical violinist of all time.
After last year’s huge sell-out success Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will return to the Festival to play on Friday 18th May with a Special Guest yet to be announced. Tickets for last year’s concert with Sandi Shaw sold like hot cakes so the organisers are delighted that more people will have the chance to see him this time around. Former Squeeze musician Jools Holland is the most popular pianist and bandleader in the United Kingdom, and the man chosen by The Beatles to conduct the interviews for their award-winning Anthology television series.
The Festival continues with its international theme with visits from companies in Germany and Denmark. The Berlin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Liebreich with pianist Kit Armstrong, will play the Schumann Piano Concerto and the Brahms Symphony No 1 in Perth Concert Hall. The Peter Schaufuss Ballet Company from Copenhagen will dance “Swan Lake”. Danish dance legend Peter Schaufuss is steeped in tradition. Peter’s unique virtuoso gifts and magnetic stage presence turned him into a global ballet superstar. Today Schaufuss, director and choreographer, is pushing the boundaries of his chosen art form, presenting to the world the wonder of classical ballet but with a modern twist.
English Touring Opera will stage “The Barber of Seville” and “Eugene Onegin” at Perth Theatre. ETO has brought 22 operas to the Festival since 2001. It is the leading touring opera company in the UK and travels to more regions and to more venues than any other English opera company, touring annually to around 55 venues and presenting as many as 110 performances per year. Their aim is to offer opera to everyone, with a varied repertoire of high-quality professional productions featuring some of the finest talent in opera.
The Festival continues its recent theme of featuring Radio 4 favourites and this year it will be Goodie Tim Brooke-Taylor, who will host a night in Perth Theatre. He follows in the footsteps of Paul Merton, Sandi Toksvig, Jeremy Hardy, Alistair McGowan, Clement Freud, James Naughtie, Will Self, Sir David Frost.... and many more.
Jazz is prominent too with Scottish jazz legend Carol Kidd, acknowledged in jazz circles as ‘Britain's finest ballads singer' Jazz Review. Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson will perform together in an intimate gig at Perth Theatre. Skipinnish will be taking to the stage for the Festival Ceilidh.
Choral music in the newly refurbished St John’s Kirk will be a highlight with sublime early music choral group Stile Antico. Their programme will include pieces by Taverner, Byrd and Tallis. The ensemble of young British singers, now established as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field, is much in demand and performs regularly throughout Europe and North America. Diana Moore, Christopher Gynn and Brian Kay, from The King’s Singers, will present a Celebration of the Life of Kathleen Ferrier.
Direct from a five-star, complete sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, comes John Peel’s Shed recently adapted for Radio 4’s Book of the Week. In 2002, John Osborne won a competition on John Peel's Radio One show. His prize was a box of records that took eight years to listen to. This is an ode to radio, those records and anyone who's ever sought solace in the wireless. A story about one man's love for radio, how it allows you to escape into another world.
The Festival is not all about big name international stars but also nurtures locally musical talent too. Each year the Festival hosts a recital by a young Perth musician who has decided to make their career in music. This year Rosanna Young will perform a concert in St John’s Kirk on Saturday 19th May. She is currently on the MMus Performance course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London specialising in Piano Accompaniment.
There are many free events including daily lunchtime concerts by Perthshire Schools, Perth Youth Orchestra, Art on the River and lots of local exhibitions. Perth Museum and Art Gallery will stage a special exhibition featuring the work of Wilhelmina Barns- Graham of the St Ives School.
The Festival is a registered charity now in its 41st year. Over the years it has grown from its classical and opera roots to embrace all art forms. There are more shows yet to be announced.
Tickets will go on sale on the 26th March. Friends of the Festival can book for the week before the Box Office opens. It only costs £10 to be a Friend and is open to all. Details on the website www.perthfestival.co.uk
For further information please contact Sandra Ralston info@perthfestival.co.uk Tel 07774181768
Buy Festival Book "Forty Years On - The Story of Perth’s Festival of the Arts" £6
Saturday 23rd July 2011
Forty Years On
The Story of Perth’s Festival of the Arts
by Conrad Wilson
Copies of the book are available from the Festival website www.perthfestival.co.uk, AK Bell Library, Museum & Art Gallery and Waterstones Bookshop. The book is priced at £6 plus, where applicable, £1.75 postage and packing for UK only.
If you would like to buy a copy now click on Buy Now below to purchase a copy through PayPal
or
send a cheque made payable to Perth Festival of the Arts Ltd for £7.75 to Perth Festival of the Arts, 3-5 High Street, Perth, PH1 5JS (postal inquiries only) giving your postal address.
Critics' reviews of 2011 Festival
Tuesday 31st May 2011
Click on the link to read reviews on this year's Festivals Shows at Perth Festival on Facebook
Festival starts today
Wednesday 18th May 2011
The 40th Perth Festival starts today until the 29th May. The Festival intends to celebrate its 40th birthday by staging some world-class events with an international flavour with artists coming from the USA, Denmark and Russia as well as the UK. The Festival covers many art forms from classical music and opera to comedy, rock, folk and the visual arts.
American Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell will play at two special concerts in Perth Concert Hall - The Final Concert on Sunday 29th May with The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Ian Brown. The programme will include Haydn Symphony No.13 in D major and Beethoven Symphony No.4. Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis will join forces in the radiant lyricism of Brahms’s Double Concerto.
Joshua will also give a recital with Jeremy Denk and Steven Isserlis on Saturday 28th May. The programme includes Schubert Arpeggione Sonata, Schubert Duo for Violin and Piano in A and Schubert Piano Trio in Eb. “The Festival has being trying to book Joshua Bell for many years and is now delighted that he will perform at our 40th birthday. He will follow in the footsteps of high profile classical artists who have performed in recent years including Bryn Terfel, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Lesley Garrett.” said Festival Representative Sandra Ralston.
The Bolshoi Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in Russia founded in 1776, will be conducted by Alexander Lazarev at the Opening Concert on Sunday 22nd May. They will play extracts from Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” and Prokofiev’s Suite from the ballet Cinderella.
Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will play at Perth Concert Hall on Friday 20th May, his band features Gilson Lavis, guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall and a special guest Sandie Shaw. He has performed to a staggering 4 million people in recent years, with the show becoming a must-see event for fans around the country.
American songwriter, folk singer, humorist and actor Loudon Wainwright III, who won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album "High Wide & Handsome" in January 2010, plays on Tuesday 24th May supported by his daughter Lucy.
Opera has always been an essential element of the Festival programme and 2011 will be no exception. English Touring Opera will present three operas “La Clemenza di Tito” by Mozart on Friday 20th May and then a double bill of Puccini operas “Il Tabarro” and “Gianni Schicchi” on Saturday 21st May. ETO has been staging operas at the Festival since 2001 and has so far produced 21 different productions in Perth Theatre. The Tippett Quartet will also be in residence.
Romeo and Juliet by PETER SCHAUFUSS DANCE Thursday 19th May. Danish dance legend Peter Schaufuss is steeped in tradition. Trained in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the hallowed Bournonville tradition, Peter’s unique virtuoso gifts and magnetic stage presence turned him into a global ballet superstar. Today Schaufuss, director and choreographer, is pushing the boundaries of his chosen art form, presenting to the world the wonder of classical ballet but with a modern twist. See video of the beautiful production at http://www.perthfestival.co.uk/event/romeo-and-juliet-ballet/
Comedy features prominently in this year’s programme with Greg Davies’ hotly anticipated debut stand-up show was a critically lauded sell-out smash hit at the 2010 Edinburgh festival, picking up a prestigious nomination for the Fosters Comedy Award (formerly the Perrier). You’ll already know him as the psychotic Head of Sixth Form, Mr Gilbert in “The Inbetweeners” (Ch4), from the new series of “Live at The Apollo” and “Have I Got News for You”, “Ask Rhod Gilbert” (BBC1) and “ Mock the Week”,”‘8 Out of 10 Cats” and “Never Mind the Buzzcocks”.
The nation’s favourite impressionist, Alistair McGowan from The Big Impression, will open this year’s Festival on Wednesday 18th May. Alistair resurrects his legendary celebrity impressions and introduces audiences to a host of new never-before-heard voices along the way – nobody does it better!
Jeremy Hardy best known for his work on Radio 4, notably on “News Quiz”,” I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” and “Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation” will perform in Perth Theatre on Saturday 28th May. In 2010, he published a book, “My Family and Other Strangers”, chronicling his desperate search for interesting ancestors.
Rainer Hersch's Comedy Orchestra with the Tippett Quartet and RSAMD This is a fun, inclusive musical event that integrates top-notch stand-up comedy and witty musical arrangements into a polished classical concert and will be staged in Perth Concert Hall.
Penguin Cafe's quietly insidious blends of catchy material, sophisticated skill and slightly surreal unpredictability have long been familiar. Originally dreamt up and fronted by Simon Jeffes until his death in 1997 – and also prompting David Bintley's successful ballet 'Still Life' at the Penguin Cafe – the group's music has reappeared on the scene thanks to Jeffes's son Arthur, who has added new pieces to the menu. They performed at the BBC Proms in 2010
Home-grown Scottish talent is also well represented with “Today Programme” presenter and author James Naughtie. Also Jimmie MacGregor’s Gathering of Songs, stories and famous folk!’ Jimmie talks about his life, the stories, songs and interviews with the likes of John Wayne and Tarzan. There will also be a traditional ceilidh with Trail West and a recital by Perth violinist Ben Norris, who will perform the latest of in the series of concerts performed by artists from Perth who have decided to make their careers in music. Perth Youth Orchestra and daily concerts by Perthshire Schools will also be special features.
Veteran performer and Edinburgh Festival Fringe stalwart Guy Masterson brings his acclaimed production of “Under Milk Wood” by Dylan Thomas to Perth Theatre
This year’s art exhibition will be Matisse – Drawing with Scissors. This follows last year’s stunning Andy Warhol show. This is an exhibition of lithographs of late works by Matisse from 1950-54. One of the 20th century’s most influential artists, his works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour. There will also be an exhibition by Ronald Forbes: The Nature of Things.
Paintings, digital collage and film works by Ronald Forbes who was Artist in Residence at the Scottish Crop Research Institute from 2006 to 2009.
The Festival has published a book about its colourful 40 year history written by respected music critic Conrad Wilson. This is available for sale from the Festival website, Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre, AK Bell Library, Art Gallery and Waterstones at £6.
Detailed information can be found on the Festival website www.perthfestival.co.uk Tickets go on sale on Monday 28th March online, by phone 01738 621031 and at the Box Office at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.
Shop Window Competition
Tuesday 17th May 2011
The organisers of Perth Festival of the Arts, in conjunction with the
Perthshire Advertiser, are running a Shop Window Competition for this
year’s festival, which takes place between May 18 and 29.
It is hoped that shops and businesses will dress their windows in style for
the occasion, reflecting the themes of music, dance, comedy drama and art.
The city centre will be decorated with colourful banners carrying the
Festival designs. The banners capture the spirit of the festival with its
colour and vitality reflecting the mix of artforms in this year’s
programme.
The judging will take place on the morning of Tuesday, May 17. There will
be two categories: one for department stores and the other for smaller
shops.
Prizes will be tickets to festival events. This year’s programme is headed
by the Festival Concert featuring The Academy of St Martin in the Fields
with Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis. Among top artistes also Perth-bound
are Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with special guest
Sandi Shaw, the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Loudon Wainwright III, English
Touring Opera, Peter Schaufuss Dance (Romeo and Juliet), Jimmie MacGregor,
Penguin Cafe and comedians Alistair McGowan and Greg Davies.
The full Festival programme can be seen at www.perthfestival.co.uk
To take part in the competition, please e-mail info@perthfestival.co.uk or
telephone Sandra Ralston on 01577 862420.
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.
