Bryn Terfel
Bryn Terfel, one of the world’s leading opera singers, is looking forward to performing at the Upton House Music Festival next summer.
Renowned Welsh bass-baritone Bryn has performed in all the great opera houses of the world and is especially recognised for his portrayals of Figaro, Falstaff and Wotan.
He will appear at Upton House and Country Park, Poole, on Thursday, 8 June with Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, the celebrated BSO Concert Orchestraconducted by the acclaimed Gareth Jones and exciting all-female electric string quarter Escala.
Bryn said: “I do love performing outdoors – there is something particularly special and uniquely British about a summer evening concert with an appreciative audience who have enjoyed a sumptuous picnic on the lawn.”
Award-laden Bryn, a star for 26 years, added: “I will be performing a selection of songs chosen especially for Upton, including several of my classical pieces as well as a programme of popular music from the shows.
“There will certainly be something for everyone with such a great line-up of top performers on the bill and we hope to make it a spectacular night of music to remember forever.”
Young Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, a recent graduate of the prestigious Jette Parker Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, is a superstar in the making.
Sydney-born Lauren, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business before moving to London, has attracted significant attention over the past two seasons in her main stage performances.
She said: “Being an opera singer is a vocation that influences your whole life and I am very excited at being able to appear at a new venue and perform some wonderful songs. It is also a real privilege to share the stage with the great Bryn Terfel.”
Accompanying Bryn will be the BSO Concert Orchestra, the ensemble of fine musicians specially selected for the Upton House Music Festival.
Lauren Fagan
The BSO has been making music of the highest order since 1893 and is a unique organisation in that it is the only UK symphony orchestra not based in a major city – the orchestra serves a whole region whilst maintaining important national and international significance.
The evening’s conductor is Gareth Jones who regularly collaborates with Bryn Terfel in opera galas throughout Europe and was the conductor on Bryn’s gold disc recording We’ll Keep a Welcome.
Gareth Jones
Gareth, founder, musical director and principal conductor of Sinfonia Cymru and with the Welsh National Opera from 1990 to 2008, conducted the 2015 BBC Proms in the Park with the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales.
He said: “There will certainly be a Welsh flavour to the evening’s extravaganza and I can promise you entertainment of the highest order from this brilliant orchestra and our splendid soloists.”
Special guests Escala rose to fame in in 2005 as part of the string section with McFly. They reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2008 and signed a major contract with Simon Cowell for their first album.
The all-girl foursome of Victoria Lyon and Honor Watson on the violin, Stephanie Benedetti on the viola and Helen Nash on the cello, appeal to a wide ranging audience with their mix of classical and popular music.
They have played all over the world and performed with many artistes, including Katherine Jenkins, Brian May, Richard Ashcroft and Pink Floyd, and appeared at 2016’s Royal Variety Performance with Diversity.
Escala
Victoria said: “We’re really looking forward to playing the festival and showcasing tracks our latest classical crossover album Quadrasonic, such as Tainted Love, Roxanne and Bittersweet Symphony, as well as old favourites.”
The three-night festival held at the idyllic country park also includes an 80s Extravaganza on Friday, 9 June featuring R&B superstar Billy Ocean, singing sensation Kim Wilde and punk princess Toyah.
Saturday, 10 June will feature a major international star whose name is being kept strictly under wraps until a big announcement takes place in January.
Tickets for the event are available now, with various hospitality packages available. See the website www.uptonhousemusicfestival.co.uk for details or call 01202 255161.
Early bird tickets available until December 31 are: Adults £35, Children (5-14) £27.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children) £120; Gold Circle £43.
Pre-Concert Dining tickets, including a three-course meal and a Gold Circle Seat, are £95 including VAT while VIP Hospitality tickets at £165 plus VAT., include a gourmet served dinner, champagne, a private lawn in the arena, complimentary programmes, VIP parking and VIP Gold Circle Seating.
Saturday tickets will go on sale when the headliner is announced in January.
See the website www.uptonhousemusicfestival.co.uk for details or call 01202 255161 for hospitality bookings.
News release issued by:
Cliff Moore, Account Director
Deep South Media
Mobile: 07469 158458 Office: 01202 534487
E-mail: cliff.moore@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
Website: www.deepsouthmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @DeepSouthMedia
