Some of the main events at Perth Festival of the Arts

May 5 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THURSDAY, MAY 21, AND SATURDAY, MAY 23

7.30pm, Perth Theatre

English Touring Opera: The Magic Flute by Mozart

Mozart’s final masterpiece has enchanted music and theatre lovers of all ages for hundreds of years. With charm and wit, it tells the story of the Prince Tamino’s terrifying and joyful journey in pursuit of love, wisdom and happiness. From the Queen of the Night’s stratospheric arias to Papageno the Birdcatcher’s jolly folk tunes and Sarastro’s profound music, it will surprise and entertain any audience. Performed in English.

THURSDAY, MAY 21

7.30pm, Perth Concert Hall

Tango Siempre

From virtuoso displays of traditional tango dance to the exquisite sounds of 1930’s Buenos Aires and the powerful Nuevo Tango music of Astor Piazzolla, Subitango is a breathtaking journey into the heart of Tango Argentino.

FRIDAY, MAY 22

7.30pm, Perth Theatre

English Touring Opera

Katya Kabanova by Janácek

Janácek´s mature opera, Katya Kabanova, is the moving story of a sensitive married woman who falls in love with an attractive young man. This near- perfect blend of lyrical music and intense drama is based on the classic Russian drama, The Storm. Performed in English.

7.30pm, Perth Concert Hall

The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra

Join The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra and superb “crooner” Tracey Stewart-Fry for an unashamed wallow in pure nostalgia for the lost, magical world of Broadway and Hollywood music from between the wars. Stylish, sophisticated and smooth.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

11am, Perth Museum and Art Gallery. Opening of Art Exhibitions. Raymond Honeyman – A Passion for Painting Pattern

He was born and brought up in Perth where his family established Honeyman Stores. His love of painting colour and pattern led to a career in designing textiles.

Also French Connections which looks at the many connections between French and Scottish art. Included in the selection are French works by Millet, Courbet and Boudin as well as Scottish works by ‘Glasgow Boys’ W Y MacGregor, E A Hornel and William Kennedy.

7.30pm, Perth Concert Hall

Russell Howard

The star of Mock The Week (BBC2), Live at the Apollo (BBC1) and his own best-selling stand-up DVD comes to Perth Festival. With support.