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.
