LSO St Luke's

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is one of the world's leading orchestras, and you can see them here in the capital.

If you're a classical music fan, make sure you see an LSO concert live. Their amazing roster includes:

  • Valery Gergiev, Principal Conductor
  • Sir Colin Davis, LSO President
  • Daniel Harding and Michael Tilson Thomas, Principal Guest Conductors

The LSO play at two main venues, LSO St Luke's and Barbican.

LSO St Luke's is a Grade 1 listed church in Shoreditch. The beautiful building is often hired by other artists for their concerts and musicians that have played there include Elton John, Jamie Cullum and PJ Harvey.

The LSO is the resident orchestra at Barbican, a world class centre for arts. The orchestra both rehearses and performs there.

http://lso.co.uk/home/

Bizet's Carmen

21 May 2010 to 23 May 2010

The O2, Greenwich Peninsular, London. SE10 0BB - +44 (0)20 8463 2627

One of the world's most popular operas returns to London in May. Carmen comes to London's The O2 in a spectacular in-the-round production.

The tragedy contains one of opera's best-loved overtures and a heart-wrenching score.

If you're put off opera by those pesky subtitles, this is the production for you as Carmen will be sung in English.

Carmen is directed by opera pioneer David Freeman who is known for his contemporary take on opera.

He is assisted by designer David Roger whose colourful set and costumes give an exciting take on this classic story.

There will be two superb casts performing in this production of Carmen:

  • Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole – Carmen
  • John Hudson and Philip O'Brien – Don José

They will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – so you can be sure you're in for something special.

Carmen is set in Seville in the 1830s. It tells the story of Carmen, a fickle gypsy girl.

Carmen is arrested and Don José, an inexperienced solider assigned to guard her, is bewitched by her charms and sets her free in return for a promise of love.

Carmen soon becomes bored with Don José and begins an affair with glamorous bullfighter Escamillo. 

Don José is consumed with jealousy and confronts Carmen in the bullring – leading to the opera's dramatic ending.

The story is brought to life through pieces such as Flower Song (Don José's heartfelt declaration of love); Carmen's bewitching Seguidilla; and Escamillo's rousing Song of the Toreador.

 

André Rieu Live at the Royal Albert Hall ; Viennese Blood

André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra played a millennium concert at the Royal Albert Hall London.

'Forever Vienna' is the must-have CD and DVD collection from the multi-million selling Dutch violinist Andre Rieu. This release includes a stunning recording of 'Blue Danube' as well as Andre Rieu 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' on DVD. 'Forever Vienna' is the perfect way to both unwind after the Christmas season and celebrate into the New Year.

Vilde Frang - Prokofiev & Sibelius: Violin Concertos

 

 

EMI Classics is pleased to announce the signing of Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang. Her first recording features the Sibelius Violin Concerto and three Humoresques and Prokofievs Violin Concerto No. 1, recorded live with the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln and conductor Thomas Søndergård.

This is Vilde Frang's debut album at the age of 22. The Norwegian-born violinist has chosen three of Sibelius's elusive miniatures as rarely heard companions to his fire-and-ice Violin Concerto and the tenderly voiced soul of another Northern masterpiece, Prokofiev's First Concerto.

Júrame by Rolando Villazón

Rolando Villazón sings a song from Mexico called Júrame at the Waldbühnen Concert 2006 in Berlin.

Appearing on ITV's new prime-time show, Popstar to Opera Star hosted by Myleene Klass and Alan Titchmarsh, Mexican teno Rollando Villazón will be both a mentor and panellist, lending his operatic expertise to the pop singer students, throughout the series. Can eight singers from the world of pop transform their voices and master the art of opera? Coronation Street star Kym Marsh and McFly singer Danny Jones join a glittering celebrity line-up preparing to warble their way into the nation's hearts. They've already conquered the pop world - but will they hit the high notes en route to operatic success? Villazón has for years been one of the most in demand singers on the opera circuit and has made himself at home in the world's leading opera houses in Paris, Berlin, Los Angeles, Vienna, New York and, of course, The Royal Opera House, London.

On 'Tenor' Villazón showcases some of the leading arias, as popularised by operatic legends including The Three Tenors - Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras. The greatest tenor arias on this disc vary from sophisticated Handel, emotional operatic greats by Verdi and Puccini, through to 20th Century classics from Bernstein's 'West Side Story' and Lloyd Webber's 'Phantom of the Opera'.

The personality and charisma, which Villazón possesses enormous quantities of, will shine through every inflection on both the TV show and this album. He is sure to win over the British audience when he brings musical cheer to our winter evenings.

"There are a lot of people who do not go to the opera because they think you need to have special knowledge for that. I believe that you need a heart and sensibility, and everybody has that." - Rolando Villazón

All Angels - I'll Fly Away

All Angels singing "I'll Fly Away" at Cadogan Hall on 1st October 2009 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer Inspiration Awards. All Angels' third album "Fly Away" is released 11/01/10.

All Angels, return with their third and most ambitious album to date, 'Fly Away'. From school girls to glamorous young women Laura, Daisy, Melanie and Charlotte have really come of age since bursting onto the music scene with their platinum-selling debut album.

Highlights on the album 'Fly Away' include Norah Jones's beautiful 'Come Away With Me', Bob Dylan's 'Blowin' In The Wind' and an incredible duet with The Harlem Gospel Choir on 'I'll Fly Away'.

Hayley Westenra - Peace Shall Come (own composition performed in Bath)

 

The enormously popular Kiwi soprano follows time-honoured tradition by releasing this Christmas album, which follows her 2008 best-of compilation 'River Of Dreams'. Featuring a comfortingly traditional mix of carols and a couple of classic-era vocal pop standards, this album does not break any rules but is a pleasing showcase for Westenra's truly beautiful voice. Also features a duet with Irish megastar Ronan Keating on 'It's Only Christmas'.

Royal Opera House: Cosi Fan Tutte

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. WC2E 9DD

29 January 2010 to 17 February 2010

An opera that explores the frailty of human relationships, examining the questions of trust and fidelity with funny, touching and sometime painful consequences. The opera begins with Don Alfonso challenging two young officers to test the fidelity of their fiancées, the men agree to a wager and in return try to seduce each other's partners which leads to unexpected consequences resulting in Don Alfonso winning the bet.

(0)20 7304 4000

 

 

ILDivo - Somewhere

 

Founded by Simon Cowell in 2003, Il Divo (Italian for 'Male Diva') are a multinational operatic pop vocal group. The four members of the group, from France, Switzerland, Spain and America sing in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Latin, and were named the Most Multinational UK No.1 Album Group in the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book Of Records. 'An Evening With Il Divo' showcases the band singing live in Barcelona.

Mayor's Carol Service

15 December 2009, 19:00 - 20:00, (0)20 7367 6700

Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London. SE1 9DA

Come along to this Christmas carol service honouring those who work in London's services.

Service to Londoners is the theme of the event, in recognition of the vital work of the armed forces, fire service, ambulance staff, police and nurses – all of whom will be represented.

The Mayor's Carol Service is free. Some seats may be available on the day. However, you are strongly advised to reserve a ticket in advance by emailing carolservice09@london.gov.uk

Concerto for Beatbox and Orchestra

19 Feb 2010 7:30 PM; 20 Feb 2010 7:30 PM

South Bank Centre Car Park, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.

(0)844 875 0073

Beatbox sensation Shlomo joins forces with an orchestra as part of his experimental music series at London's Southbank Centre.

Join Southbank Centre artist-in-residence Shlomo as he breaks musical boundaries, blending beatboxing with classical music.

For just two concerts, Shlomo and up-and-coming UK composer Anna Meredith come together to discover whether orchestral musicians can beatbox, and beatboxers follow a conductor.

The performance features a 20-piece orchestra from the Southbank's 4 resident orchestras plus the 8 members of Shlomo's Vocal Orchestra.

Schlomo has worked with a variety of special guests as part of his Music Through Unconventional Means series, including DJ Yoda, Martha Wainwright and Reverend and the Makers.

Classic FM Christmas Spectacular

23 Dec 2009 6:30 PM

The O2, Peninsular Square, London, SE10 0DX. (0)20 8463 2627

Classic FM Christmas Spectacular at The O2 in London

Classical music impresario Raymond Gubbay makes his debut at The O2 with a special Christmas concert.

The show is sure to get you in the Christmas mood with stirring carols, traditional songs and your favourite Christmas No.1s.

The Classic FM Christmas Spectacular, in association with Classic FM, is presented by Myleene Klass.

  • Anthony Inglis conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Sopranos Alison Jiear and Stephanie Corley
  • Tenor Jon Christos
  • The Royal Choral Society
  • Metro Voices23
  • The capacity for Classic FM Christmas Spectacular is 20,000 and, being so close to Christmas, you can expect a vibrant atmosphere.

    As with many Raymond Gubbay productions, the show complements the music with dazzling visual effects, including light displays and an indoor firework finale.

     

    Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven at the Hellenic Centre On Monday 16 November

    Piano Recital Panayiotis Gogos London - 16/11/2009

    Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven at the Hellenic Centre On Monday 16 November at 7.15pm, the Hellenic Centre is presenting a piano recital by the distinguished pianist Panayiotis Gogos at its Great Hall. The program, built around Frederic Chopin's 24 Preludes, also includes the highly dramatic Fantasie by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Moonlight Sonata, the most renown of romantic compositions from Ludwig van Beethoven's 32 sonatas. The audience will have the opportunity to appreciate these profoundly emotional works inspired by their famous composers’ private lives. In 2005, the Greek Academy of Art & Literature in Athens awarded Panayiotis Gogos the prize as “Best Young Soloist.” Panayiotis Gogos is scheduled to perform his debut recital at the famous Konzerthaus Vienna in December 2009. He will also take part in concerts in Rome, Berlin ,Vienna and Athens within next year and he has also been chosen to participate in the ccommemoration for the “Year Chopin 2010,” 200 years from the famous composer’s day of Birth, at the prestigious Polish Society Salon Chopin. His artistry is considered as a continuance to the great pianistic tradition of Alfred Cortot and Edwin Fischer. www.panayiotisgogos.com Entry is free, but please confirm attendance on 020 7563 9835 or email: press@helleniccentre.org. The Hellenic Centre, 16-18 Paddington St., Marylebone W1U 5AS, www.helleniccentre.org

    katherine Jenkins - I believe (from new album) at Strictly Come Dancing 2009 / Slow waltz

     

    Beautiful slow waltz performed by Vincent and Flavia in Strictly Come Dancing 2009 (S07 E01) Danced on the new song I believe from Katherine Jenkins.

    The first six years of Katherine Jenkins career have already been extraordinary in every sense of the word. Under the stewardship of producer David Foster (credited with the careers of Josh Groban, Michael Buble and most recently Seal's comeback) made her most ambitious album to date.

    Katherine spent the spring of 2009 in LA at Foster's studio, recording 'Believe', the seventh album of her phenomenal career. Together they have produced a record of epic proportions that is set to take Katherine to new heights of success around the world.

    Michael Bublé - "Haven't Met You Yet"

    Michael Bublé - "Haven't Met You Yet" official music video. New album Crazy Love available October 9th.

    Today's most popular crooner Michael Buble steps outside the box for this fourth studio album, his follow-up to 2007's 'Call Me Irresponsible'. Moving away from the Rat Pack stylings of yore, here he adopts a decidedly 70s sounding singer songwriter feel with which he sounds equally at home. Produced by pop staples David Foster and Humberto Gatica with the surprise addition of Bob Rock (Metallica), the album includes two Buble originals and features a guest spot from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

    Classical and Christmas Carol Concerts in London

    London's major concert venues all stage performances at Christmas. Many feature world-famous singers and orchestras as well as family-friendly, sing-a-long shows. 

    St Martin-in-the-Fields is a beautiful 18th Century church with an extensive Christmas programme throughout December, including carols by candlelight with the London Concert Choir, and family carols

    The Royal Albert Hall always stages a number of popular shows at Christmas. This spectacular venue makes the performances extra special. Highlights include:

    • John Rutter's Christmas Celebration, 12 Dec
      Carol singalong and concert hosted by John Rutter and featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
    • Christmas Carol Singalong, 13 Dec
      All your favourite carols and songs, plus the London Concert Orchestra
    • The BT Christmas Concert, 15 Dec
      Angela Rippon hosts an evening of classical music, carols and an indoor fireworks finale

    There aren't many more spectacular venues than St Paul's Cathedral to enjoy a Christmas concert. There are many which are open to the public, and some are free, but be prepared to queue! Check whether events are ticketed in advance:

    • Messiah by Georg Frederick Handel, supported by Fidelity International, 3 Dec
    • Breast Cancer Carols, 9 Dec
      Celebrity readings and singing from professional choirs, plus G4's Jonathan Ansell. Raising money for Breast Cancer Care.
    • Christmas Eve Carol Service, 24 Dec

    The Barbican boasts a varied line-up of Christmas concerts this year, including:

    • Make the Yuletide Gay, 19 Dec
      Old and modern Christmas songs performed by the Gay Men's Chorus and presented by Sandie Shaw
    • Christmas with Hayley Westonra, 21 Dec
      Performing best-loved carols and songs
    • Brenda Edwards' Gospel Christmas, 22 Dec
      Gospel and soul magic with Brenda's powerful vocals
    Duke Bluebeard's Castle / The Rite of Spring

    06 - 10 Nov 2009 Tue, Fri 7:30 PM; 12 Nov 2009 7:30 PM; 14 Nov 2009 6:30 PM; 20 - 25 Nov 2009 Wed, Fri 7:30 PM; 28 Nov 2009 6:30 PM

    London Coliseum
    St Martin's Lane
    London
    WC2N 4ES
    0870 1450200
     

    Duke Bluebeard's Castle / The Rite of Spring at the London Coliseum

    Prepare to be whisked away as English National Opera (ENO) presents Bartók's opera Duke Bluebeard's Castle and Stravinsky's ballet The Rite of Spring.

    This exciting collaboration of director Daniel Kramer and Michael Keegan-Dolan's dance company Fabulous Beast is conducted by ENO Music Director Edward Gardner.

     

    Duke Bluebeard's Castle is Bartók's only opera. The one-act piece is based on the chilling fairytale by Charles Perrault written in 1911.

    In the story, Duke Bluebeard brings his new wife Judith to his castle and she is curious to know what lies behind each of the castle's seven closed doors.

    The title role is sung by Clive Bayley (Raimondo in ENO's Lucia di Lammermoor), with Michaela Martens (Kostelnicka in ENO's Jenufa) as Judith.

    When Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring was first performed, it was met with great controversy. Today The Rite of Spring is considered one of most influential pieces of 20th century music.

    See the acclaimed Fabulous Beast Dance Company resurrect the famous ballet under director and choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan.

    The innovative company of 20 dancers perform the story of a young girl who is sacrificed for her community's future.

     

    Maurice Jarre - Doctor Zhivago

     

    Maurice Jarre conducts in tribute of David Lean, 1992. (Sound track of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO writen and conducted by Maurice Jarre,1965).

    Renee Fleming : Verismo

     

    Renee Fleming sings opera arias by Puccini and his contemporaries. Celebrating the composers of the Verismo style. This disc includes favourite Puccini arias from La Boheme, Turandot, Manon Lescaut, Il Trittico etc. and rarely heard arias by other Verismo composers.

    Also featured is the world premiere recording of the original manuscript version of the aria from Puccini's Manon Lescaut. Rising star tenor Jonas Kaufmann joins Renee for an irresistible melody from Act II of Puccini's La Rondine.

    Nicola Benedetti - Szymanowski Violin Concerto

     

    Aug 2009 - Petrenko: Benedetti: Rlpo

    Va: Fantasie

    Joining Nicola on her latest recording - 'Fantasie' are The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra - Vasily Patrenko, The London Philharmonic Orchestra - Andrew Litton and Alexei Grynuk - piano.

      Sarasate

      • 1. Zigeunerweisen Opus 20

      Vaughan Williams

      • 2. The Lark Ascending

      Sain-Saens

      • 3. Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso In A Minor

      Massenet

      • 4. Meditation From Thais

      Ravel

      • 5. Tzigane

      Part

      • 6. Spiegel Im Spiegel

      Rachmaninov

      • 7. Vocalise Opus 34 No.14 (OW)

      Faure

      • 8. Apres Une Reve
      London Tower Music Festival: Classical Extravaganza

      18 Sep 2009

      Tower of London, London. EC3N 4AB

      0844 4827777

      £27.50 to £35.00  per ticket

      A Gala Evening of Popular Classics conducted by Anthony Gabriele with Nigel Hutchison (Piano) and Natasha March (Soprano).

      The Tower Festival is back for its fourth year with as spectacular a line up as ever.  Presented by Harvey Goldsmith and AEG Live, the festival will take place 10 - 20 September in front of the impressive backdrop of the Tower.

      BROKEN EMBRACES - Soundtrack

       

      Broken Embraces , the newly released film by Pedro Almodóvar, features a cast that includes Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo, Carmen Machi, Rubén Ochandiano, Tamar Novas, and José Luis Gómez.

      Defined by Pedro Almodóvar himself as a “heartbreaking crazy love story, set in the ‘90’s and in the present”, Broken Embraces comes with one of those unique soundtracks that you have learned to expect from the colourful Spanish director.

      Alberto Iglesias, the films score composer, has worked with Almodóvar for the last 12 years and three out of the seven Goya Awards he received for his music have been for Almodóvar’s films; Volver (2006), Talk To Her (2002), and All About My Mother (1999).

      Iglesias is also the composer of other Almodovar film sound scores like The Flower Of My Secret, Live Flesh, and Bad Education. He has also created soundtracks for film directors such as Oliver Stone, John Malkovich, Fernando Meirelles, Marc Foster, Julio Medem, Carlos Saura, Bigas Luna, and Icíar Bollaín.

      Amongst his array of talents, Iglesias has written music for the ballet and he has a striking curriculum of international awards, including seven Spanish Goya’s Awards and nominations for the Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta awards.

      The Broken Embraces soundtrack includes tracks from Can, Uffe, Miguel Poveda and Cat Power whilst all the other songs are performed by Alberto Iglesias.

      Teatro - 'Music Of The Night'

       

      Debut album from theatrical easy-listening act Teatro. A collection of covers from the stage that are illuminated by the band's stunning vocal range, this album is a must for theatre-goers everywhere. Includes the tracks 'Music Of The Night', 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' and 'Maria'.

      Far Away - Libera

       

       

      This release contains everything that the album suggests. "THE BEST OF LIBERA". a compilation of previously released material with some new songs including the most recent "How can I keep from singing" made even more popular by it's use behind the current Christmas tv advert for Waitrose.

      Elin Manahan Thomas - "Eternal Source of Light Divine"

       

      Elin Manahan Thomas - Papa Haydn lends her wonderful soprano voice to this programme of Haydn's Welsh folk pieces that are united with the original Welsh verses to which Haydn never had access. In addition, this disc features highlights from Haydn's masterpiece, The Creation, and his intricate writing for the piano.

       

       

      Katherine Jenkins - Rejoice - Channel 7 'Sunrise' Australia

       

      The incomparable voice and beauty of Welsh Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins on show as she performs, live, the title track of her new album 'Rejoice' on the Channel 7 'Sunrise' show, Sydney, Australia, Monday 10th March 2008.

      Klaus Badelt-Pirates of the Caribbean-RTS Symphony Orchestra

      Conductor: Antonia Joy Wilson
      Symphony Orchestra of Radio Television of Serbia
      Klaus Badelt: Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
      "Movie Magic" concert
      November 7th, 2007
      Kolarac Concert Hall, Belgrade

      Johnny Depp stars in this film of pirates, curses and adventure that also gave birth to Klaus Badelt's career as a major composer. Pirates was German born Klaus Badelt's first lead role on a big budget film; one that went onto be a major blockbuster putting him firmly on the treasure map as a film composer.

       

       

      Britain's Got Talent - Faryl Smith - Final

       

      After a bidding war ensued while Faryl Smith appeared in the final of 2008's Britain's Got Talent, the Kettering born singer finally opted for a 2.3 million pound deal with Universal Music. This, her debut album, sees Smith covering a selection of easy listening and classical standards with the backing of a sixty piece orchestra, while showcasing her unique vocal talent, often compared to fellow mezzo-sopranos Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Church.

      Escala

       

      ESCALA, the gorgeous electric string quartet who caused a sensation in the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent 2008, finally unleash their astonishing, Trevor Horn produced debut album on the 25th May.  Fusing contemporary sounds with classical instruments, ESCALA boast the freshest and most innovative sound of the year and are destined to take the international charts by storm.

      ESCALA are violinists Victoria Lyon, aged 25, and Izzy Johnston, 25. Chantal Leverton, a viola player aged 25 and cellist Tasya Hodges, 26 complete the line up.

       

       

       

      The BBC Proms

      17 July 2009 to 12 September 2009

       www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009

      The greatest classical music festival on earth returns to London's Royal Albert Hall.

      Around 170 events featuring the world's best artists and composers are packed into the 8-week BBC Proms's schedule for 2009.

      For the first time this year, the number of concerts has reached 100.

       

      The 2009 BBC Proms season features fantastic major festival days and big weekends.

      Among the highlights are:

    • Indian Voices Day, culminating in the first Bollywood Prom
    • Multiple Pianos Day
    • 10th anniversary weekend celebrations for BBC Radio 3's New Generation Artists and Daniel Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
    • A weekend of concerts celebrating Delius, Elgar and Holst who died 75 years ago
    • Large-scale performances of Handel's Messiah and Haydn's The Creation
    • Beethoven's opera Fidelio conducted by Daniel Barenboim
    • Purcell's The Fairy Queen from Glyndebourne
    • Sir Charles Mackerras conducting Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience
    • A Late Night Prom featuring The Silk Road Ensemble and Yo-Yo Ma
    • A 75th birthday celebration of classic MGM musicals
    • A debut for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
    • Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, his first Prom with a symphony orchestra
    • Paul Potts on Australia's Got Talent 2009 (WideScreen)

       

      Paul was the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2007.

      Paul Potts with an amazing performance from his new album Passione. The first time ever I saw your face. Exclusive live Australian performance!

      After shooting to fame in 2007 when he won ITV's Britain's Got Talent competition. Formerly a mobile phone salesman, Potts' humble beginnings and impressive tenor voice immediately resonated with the public, and his first album 'One Chance' was an international smash. 'Passione' sees him tackle a similarly mixed repertoire, but with a slightly larger emphasis on the classics on recordings like Chopin's 'Tristesse' and Puccini's 'E Lucevan Le Stelle'. As was with his debut, pop impresario Simon Cowell features on production duties.

      Classical Brit for UK trumpeter

      Trumpeter Alison Balsom has become the first British woman to win best female at the Classical Brit awards.

      Balsom, 30, who won the young British classical performer in 2006, said: "This award means so much to me."

       

      The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards won the prestigious album of the year for Spirit of the Glen: Journey, recorded during their tour of duty in Iraq.

      The event, at London's Royal Albert Hall, also saw opera star Jose Carerras pick up a lifetime achievement award.

      Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Placido Domingo and the Duchess of Cornwall presented Carreras with his gong.

      He added that expressing himself through his voice was "something I think I was born for".

      Faryl Smith - River Of Light (Blue Danube)

       

      The official video for 'River of Light' taken from the debut album, 'Faryl'.

      Smith signed a contract with Universal Classics and Jazz for a £2.3 million in December 2008, the largest ever granted to a schoolgirl. Her debut album, Faryl, was recorded in December 2008 and January 2009, and was released in March 2009. Faryl became the fastest selling solo classical album in British chart history, selling 29,200 copies in the first week. It debuted at number 6, but rose to number 4 in the following week, making Smith the third Britain's Got Talent contestant to have a top ten album. Smith lives with her parents in Kettering, where she attends Southfield School for Girls.

      Continental Airlines Tower Festival

      10 September 2009 to 20 September 2009

      Tower of London, London. EC3N 4AB

      0844 4827777

       

      The Continental Airlines Tower Festival celebrates opera, dance, jazz, world and classical music, all in one of London's most famous historic royal palaces.

    • Nigel Kennedy - gala opening with leading violinist Nigel Kennedy performing with the Philharmonia Orchestra for an evening of Bach concertos and the music of Duke Ellington
    • Sadler's Wells Is Dance – gala performance featuring the best of ballet, ballroom, flamenco and contemporary dance
    • Lesley Garrett and the Fron Male Voice Choir – Britain's most popular soprano performs with platinum-selling "voices of the valley" amateur male choir
    • Gilbert and Sullivan's The Yeoman of the Guard – This new production, presented by Carl Rosa Opera, is a rare chance to see an opera performed in the space where it's set
    • Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the Future Stars of Opera – One of opera's most celebrated contemporary figures leads the Future Stars of Opera concert
    • Womad Presents – World music festival WOMAD presents a series of one-off performances from artists around the world
    • The Tower Festival was founded by classical music promoter Harvey Goldsmith CBE who promoted and staged many legendary music concerts including:

      • Luciano Pavorotti at Hyde Park and Wembley Stadium
      • The Three Tenors concerts with Pavorotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo
      • Live Aid in 1982

       

      Kate Royal - Midsummer Night

       

      Kate Royal's second recording for EMI Classics is Midsummer Night, an atmospheric recital collection focusing on female characters in 20th century opera and operetta, reflecting their pain and ecstasy in love.

      The programme ranges from well known turn-of-the-century works by Dvořák (Song to the Moon from Rusalka) and Lehár (Vilja from The Merry Widow) to Midsummer Night, from William Alwyns opera Miss Julie. Edward Gardner conducts the English National Opera Orchestra with guest appearances by Thomas Allen, Andrew Staples and the Crouch End Festival Chorus.

      Picasso child work up for auction

      A portrait by Picasso of his daughter Maya has gone on display in London for the first time.

       

      Picasso kept the 1938 work his whole life and the piece has been in private hands since his death in 1973.

      The portrait will be auctioned in New York on 5 May with price predictions reaching $24m (£16.5m).

      Maya, who is still alive, is the second of Picasso's four children by three women. At the time of her birth, Picasso was still married to Russian dancer Olga Khokhlova.

      Ennio Morricone - The Mission

       

      The Composer: Ennio Morricone  - this Italian born composer has written scores of more than 500 films and TV series. Although only 30 of these are for Western films, it is for this work which he is best known. His haunting soundtrack for The Mission is regarded as one of his best.

      Released: 1986
      Director: Roland Joffe
      Cast:
      Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons

      The Film: The Oscar winning 1986 film tells the story of a Spanish Jesuit priest who goes into the South American jungle to build a mission and convert a community of Guarani indians whilst fighting off the dastardly Portuguese colonials, who are trying to enslave the community.

      Gladiator(Suite) - Hans Zimmer

      Composer: Despite starting off his career playing keyboards and synthesisers for the likes of Ultravox and Buggles, Hans Zimmer has become one of the biggest names in the film music world. Working in much the same way as Michelangelo - that’s not to say, on his back staring at the ceiling -  he sometimes operates a collegiate system of writing music, whereby he will employ several composers to work in groups on certain movies, all the time retaining the overall control. Zimmer himself had his first big hit with Rain Man - nominated for an Oscar in 1988 and the Gladiator soundtrack has gone on to achieve legendary status. 

      Released:2000
      Directed by: Ridley Scott
      Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Pheonix, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed

      The Film: Ridley Scott  transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic.  Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general finds himself caught up in the battle for the throne when the Emperor chooses him over his son Commodus. When Maximus discovers that his family has been slaughtered he allows himself to be captured and thrown into the gladiator games in a bid to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honours.

      Maurice Jarre scores "Ghost"

       

      The Composer: Maurice Jarre is the now retired French composer and triple Academy Award winner for his scores for Passage To India, Dr Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. As you may have guessed, he's also Jean Michel Jarre's dad.

      Released: 1990
      Director: Jerry Zucker
      Cast: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore

      The Film: Shortly after moving into a new Manhattan apartment, a pair of lovers are separated by a street thug's bullet. Communicating through a frazzled false medium, the man's ghost tries to avenge his death and protect his girlfriend.

      Love Actually Soundtrack - Glasgow Love Theme

       

      The Score: Craig Armstrong - not only is he a talented Scottish musician and composer who won a Grammy Award for his film score for Ray, but he used to be a face in the Scottish pop music scene as a member of Hipsway and Texas!

      Released: 2003
      Director: Richard Curtis
      Cast: Bill Nighy, Keira Knightly, Colin Firth

      The Film: Christmas time in England, the characters are falling in love, falling out of love, some are with the right people, some are with the wrong people, some are looking to have an affair, some are in a period of mourning; a capsule summary of reality. Love begins and love ends. They flirt a lot. They are all flirting with love. In fact it's all about love...actually!

       

      Ladies in Lavender, Violin Joshua Bell, Music Nigel Hess

       

      The Composer: Nigel Hess studied music at Cambridge University, where he was Music Director of the famous Footlights Revue Company. He has since worked extensively as a composer and conductor in television, theatre and film.

      Released: 2004
      Director: Charles Dance
      Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith

      The Film: Two aging spinster sisters have their quiet cornish life disrupted when they take a young Polish violinist into their care after they find him half-drowned on the beach. It turns out he's a talented violinist but the sisters are put in a sticky situation when the whole village becomes suspicious of the man and forces the sisters to choose between their neighbours and their dishy virtuoso!

      Seven Years in Tibet - Soundtrack 01

       

      The Score: John Williams wrote this evocative score which also features the popular and highly talented cellist Yo Yo Ma.

      Release date: 8 October, 1997
      Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
      Cast: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis

      The Film: Austrians Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter are imprisoned by the British in India at the beginning of World War II in 1939  but escape to Tibet in 1944. They are ordered to return to Tibet but are welcomed at Lhasa and introduced to the Dalai Lama. Harrer becomes his tutor and friend.

      Patrick Doyle - It's Only A Diary (Bridget Jones's Diary)

       

      The Composer: Patrick Doyle joined Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance Theatre Company as an actor, composer and musical director back in 1987 and wrote music for many of their renaissance productions. However it wasnt until he was asked to write the score for Branagh's film of Henry V that he began a career in film scoring.

      Released: 2001
      Director: Sharon Maguire
      Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
       

      The Film: Bridget Jones is struggling with life as an unmarried thirty something. So on New Years Eve she vows to better herself, find a better job, diet,  find a man and record all her antics in her diary.

      Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall in London

      26 Feb - 01 Mar 2009 7:30 PM; 26 Feb - 07 Mar 2009 Sat 2:30 PM; 03 - 07 Mar 2009 7:30 PM; 08 Mar 2009 2:30 PM

       
      Kensington Gore, London
      London
      SW7 2AP
       
      020 7589 3203
       
       
       

      One of the world's most popular operas returns to London in February. Carmen comes to London's Royal Albert Hall in a spectacular in-the-round production.

      The tragedy contains one of opera's best-loved overtures and a heart-wrenching score, this production of Carmen will be sung in English.

      Carmen is directed by opera pioneer David Freeman who is known for his contemporary take on opera. He is assisted by designer David Roger whose colourful set and costumes give an exciting take on this classic story.

      There will be two superb casts performing in this production of Carmen:

      • Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole – Carmen
      • John Dazsak and John Hudson – Don José
      • Elizabeth Atherton and Lee Bissett – Micaela
      • Carlos Archuleta and David Kempster – Escamillo

      They will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

       
       

       

      Girl With a Pearl Earring Griet's theme by Alexandre Desplat

       

      Composer: Alexandre Desplat - the Parisian born composer has composed scores for more than 70 films and was nominated for a Golden Globe for this score. Since writing the music for Het meisje met de parel - the original Dutch name for the Vermeer painting around which the film is based - Alexandre Deplat has gone on to further success, most recently with Syriana, which bagged George Clooney his Oscar at the 78th Annual Academy Awards.

      Released:2003
      Directed by: Peter Webber
      Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth

      The Film: Set in 17th Century Holland, this adaptation of the Tracy Chavalier novel follows the clandestine relationship between the painter Vermeer and his 17 year old maid Griet, the model for one of his most famous works of art, Girl With A Pearl Earring.

      Zulu

       

      The Composer: New Yorker John Barry is mostly known for writing the Bond scores, but has also composed music for Oscar winner 'Born Free', 'Out Of Africa' and 'Dances With Wolves'. Barry received the BAFTA Fellowship Award in recognition of his services to film music in 2005.

      Released: 22 January 1964 
      Director:
      Cy Endfield
      Cast:
      Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Michael Caine

      The Film: In 1964 this adventure film was made. It tells the story of the rift between the British Army and the Army of the Zulus - the Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879.

      Superman: The Movie Score - Prelude and Main Title March

       

      The Score: John Williams is one of the most widely recognized composers of film scores in the world, best known for his heroic, rousing themes to some of the highest grossing films of all time.

      Released: 1987
      Director: Richard Donner
      Cast: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder



      The Film: An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive world’s greatest super-hero. Starring the late Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman, Gene Hackman as Lex Luther and Margot Kidder as Superman’s love interest Lois Lane.

      Mozart - Le Nozze De Figaro - Canzonetta sull'aria

       

      The Score: Nominated for an Academy Award in 2004, Thomas Newman's score to this film reflects the emotional intensity of the film. A particular highlight of the movie was the beautiful 'Sull 'Aria' from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera 'Le Nozze di Figaro', which was broadcast live to the prisoners.

      Release date: 10 September 1994
      Director: Frank Darabont
      Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman

      The Film:
      The Shawshank Redemption centres on one man - Andy Dufresne. He is convicted of the murder of his lover and wife and despite the circumstances the film focuses on themes of hope and redemption. This 1994 movie was written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on the Stephen King novella 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis 'Red' Redding.

      Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark Soundtrack-The Raiders March

       

      Composer: John Williams's rousing and iconic Raiders March has come to symbolise Indiana Jones.  The soundtrack received an Oscar nomination for best original score, but  lost out to Vangelis' electro-synth based score for Chariots Of Fire.

      Released: 1981
      Directed by: Stephen Spielberg
      Cast: Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliot, Alfred Molina, Anthony Higgins


      The Film: You're in for thrills as Indiana Jones confronts snakes, *** and one astonishing cliffhanger after another-all topped off by awesome sequences involving the discovery and opening of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. It's possibly one of the greatest adventures of all time.

      Jurassic Park Soundtrack Tracks 1, 2, 3

       

      The score: Written in the same year as 'Schindler's List', which was a major award-winner in 1993 John Williams' score for Jurassic Park may have been somewhat overshadowed by the latter score however this 'fun' dinosaur movie enabled him to use an array of compositional techniques which he employed in many of his nineties' film scores.

      Release date: 11 June, 1993
      Director: Steven Spielberg
      Cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Samuel L Jackson

      The film: Chaos breaks out on the island of Isla Nublar when an InGen employee is killed releasing a Velociraptor into a penhold. Specialists are called in to investigate the safety of the island and CEO John Hammond invites Drs. Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler, as well as chaos theorist Dr. Ian Malcolm and his investors' attorney Donald Gennaro to visit his park on the island. However disaster unfolds when a Tyrannosaurus breaks through the electric fence.

      More Posts Next page »

      Search

      Go

      This Blog

      Music Venues

      Submit to this Blog