NIGEL KENNEDY TO PLAY AT PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 17th -27th May 2012

International artists, big name stars, orchestras, opera, rock, jazz, ballet, drama, art exhibitions, ceilidh, local musical talent, free events – Perth Festival has it all…

Perth Festival of the Arts has hosted a number of big name artists in recent years including Van Morrison, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Bryn Terfel and Nicola Benedetti. The 2012 Festival programme is no exception. World-class violinist Nigel Kennedy will play the Brahms Violin Concerto at Perth Concert Hall on Sunday 27th May with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton. For over twenty-five years, he has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. He is the best selling classical violinist of all time.

After last year’s huge sell-out success Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will return to the Festival to play on Friday 18th May with a Special Guest yet to be announced. Tickets for last year’s concert with Sandi Shaw sold like hot cakes so the organisers are delighted that more people will have the chance to see him this time around. Former Squeeze musician Jools Holland is the most popular pianist and bandleader in the United Kingdom, and the man chosen by The Beatles to conduct the interviews for their award-winning Anthology television series.

The Festival continues with its international theme with visits from companies in Germany and Denmark. The Berlin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Liebreich with pianist Kit Armstrong, will play the Schumann Piano Concerto and the Brahms Symphony No 1 in Perth Concert Hall. The Peter Schaufuss Ballet Company from Copenhagen will dance “Swan Lake”. Danish dance legend Peter Schaufuss is steeped in tradition. Peter’s unique virtuoso gifts and magnetic stage presence turned him into a global ballet superstar. Today Schaufuss, director and choreographer, is pushing the boundaries of his chosen art form, presenting to the world the wonder of classical ballet but with a modern twist.

English Touring Opera will stage two nights of “The Barber of Seville” and one night of“Eugene Onegin” at Perth Theatre. ETO has brought 22 operas to the Festival since 2001. It is the leading touring opera company in the UK and travels to more regions and to more venues than any other English opera company, touring annually to around 55 venues and presenting as many as 110 performances per year. Their aim is to offer opera to everyone, with a varied repertoire of high-quality professional productions featuring some of the finest talent in opera.

The Festival continues its recent theme of featuring Radio 4 favourites and this year it will be Goodie Tim Brooke-Taylor, who will host a night in Perth Theatre. He follows in the footsteps of Paul Merton, Sandi Toksvig, Jeremy Hardy, Alistair McGowan, Clement Freud, James Naughtie, Will Self, Sir David Frost…. and many more.

Jazz is prominent too with Scottish jazz legend Carol Kidd, acknowledged in jazz circles as ‘Britain’s finest ballads singer’ Jazz Review. Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson will perform together in an intimate gig at Perth Theatre. Skipinnish will be taking to the stage for the Festival Ceilidh.

Choral music in the newly refurbished St John’s Kirk will be a highlight with sublime early music choral group Stile Antico. Their programme will include pieces by Taverner, Byrd and Tallis. The ensemble of young British singers, now established as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field, is much in demand and performs regularly throughout Europe and North America. Diana Moore, Christopher Gynn and Brian Kay, from The King’s Singers, will present a Celebration of the Life of Kathleen Ferrier.

Direct from a five-star, complete sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, comes John Peel’s Shed recently adapted for Radio 4’s Book of the Week. In 2002, John Osborne won a competition on John Peel’s Radio One show. His prize was a box of records that took eight years to listen to. This is an ode to radio, those records and anyone who’s ever sought solace in the wireless. A story about one man’s love for radio, how it allows you to escape into another world.

The Festival is not all about big name international stars but also nurtures locally musical talent too. Each year the Festival hosts a recital by a young Perth musician who has decided to make their career in music. This year Rosanna Young will perform a concert in St John’s Kirk on Saturday 19th May. She is currently on the MMus Performance course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London specialising in Piano Accompaniment.

There are many free events including daily lunchtime concerts by Perthshire Schools, Perth Youth Orchestra, Art on the River and lots of local exhibitions. Perth Museum and Art Gallery will stage a special exhibition featuring the work of Wilhelmina Barns- Graham of the St Ives School.

The Festival is a registered charity now in its 41st year. Over the years it has grown from its classical and opera roots to embrace all art forms. There are more shows yet to be announced.

Tickets will go on sale on the 26th March. Friends of the Festival can book for the week before the Box Office opens. It only costs £10 to be a Friend and is open to all. Details on the website http://www.perthfestival.co.uk

For further information please contact Sandra Ralston info@perthfestival.co.uk Tel 07774181768