Perth Festival of the Arts programme taking shape

Jan 8 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

2010 is shaping up to be a special year for Perth Festival of the Arts, which features a sparkling gala concert to celebrate Perth 800.

The gala concert with soprano Barbara Bonney, the RSNO and conducted by Sir Andrew Davis is a highlight of the Festival’s 39th programme, a significant part of which is launched today.

The Festival, from May 19-30 in Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and St John’s Kirk, includes three orchestral concerts, three operas, rock concerts, jazz, comedy and 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, May 19. He has more than 40 gold and platinum records worldwide and his impressive back catalogue includes the instantly recognisable ‘American Pie’, ‘And I Love You So’, ‘Vincent’, and ‘Castles In The Air’.

The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert will close the Festival in Perth Concert Hall on Sunday, May 30, and this year will feature The Hallé Orchestra from Manchester with trumpeter Alison Balsom and conductor Edward Gardner.

In 2009 Alison played at the Last Night of the Proms and became the first ever Briton to be crowned ‘Female Artist of the Year’ at the Classical BRITs, and Edward Gardner is the Music Director of English National Opera.

The special gala concert to celebrate Perth 800 endorses the 2010 Festival’s rich classical programme. 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 May 23 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 have 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.

The Festival Art Exhibition at Perth Museum and Art Gallery will feature Andy Warhol’s early drawings, stitched photographs, prints and posters.

More shows to be announced include rock concerts, stand-up comedy, a ceilidh, drama and children's show.

Booking opens at the end of March – details will be announced in the PA.