Posts tagged with "orchestra"

Premiere of Clarice Assad’s “Bohemian Queen”

Award-winning Trumpeter Joins CYSO for World Premiere of Clarice Assad’s “Bohemian Queen”

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is thrilled to reteam with CYSO alum Mary Elizabeth Bowden for the world premiere of “Bohemian Queen: Concerto for Trumpet and String Orchestra” by Clarice Assad at Symphony Center’s Orchestra Hall at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20.

The subject of “Bohemian Queen,” written specifically for Mary Elizabeth Bowden and CYSO, is the surrealist art of Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977), an American painter based in Chicago often called “the queen of the bohemian artists.” As Assad observed in the program notes for the piece, “Abercrombie’s paintings are characterized by their use of dreamlike symbolism and careful attention to detail. She was profoundly interested in the jazz scene and friends with and used to throw some amazing parties for musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Sarah Vaughan.”

“Bohemian Queen” is in three movements. The first two are inspired by two of her paintings: “Girl Searching” (1945) and “The Stroll” (1943). The third movement, “Hyde Park Jam,” is an imaginary depiction of her memorable parties where she used to sit in as a pianist herself and play with jazz’s greatest masters.

Clarice Assad’s latest work is a brilliant example of her sophisticated yet accessible style and a perfect vehicle for the powerful virtuosity of CYSO alumna Mary Bowden,” said Music Director Allen Tinkham. “Bohemian Queen” illuminates why Clarice’s eclectic and energizing voice is among the fastest rising in classical music today. We are thrilled to have Chicago’s brightest young musicians take part in this important premiere giving them a personal experience with two fearlessly creative artists. CYSO is shaping the future of music by investing in the next generation of leaders, and as educators we have a responsibility to lead change tearing down old barriers so the next generation can dream bigger and lead even greater change.”

Conducted by Allen Tinkham the first half of the program will also feature an exciting line up of these contemporary works:

“Overture” by Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981). “Overture” was premiered in spring 2022 by members of the CSO. Per Montgomery, “‘Overture’ is a one-movement orchestral tutti steeped in harmonic textures inspired by a fusion between jazz and American classical harmonies, Baroque rhythmic gestures, and polyphonic tension.”
”Abstractions: Marble Moon” by Anna Clyne (b. 1980). “Marble Moon” is the first of five movements inspired by five contrasting contemporary artworks from the Baltimore Museum of Art and from the private collection of Rheda Becker and Robert Meyerhoff, for whom this music honors.
“Father Antonio’s Contrapuntal Prayers for Michael” by Daniel Bernard Roumain (b. 1971). Skokie-born Roumain wrote this piece as a tribute to a priest who served at the Alamo mission.

The second half of the program features the orchestra performing “Ein Heldenleben” (A Hero’s Life/A Heroic Life) by Richard Strauss (1864-1949). This is one in a series of Stauss’ tone poems, with a hero who is a thinly-veiled version of the composer himself. Over the course of six sections, we hear vignettes of “the hero’s” life, including adversaries (believed to be music critics) depicted by chattering woodwinds, and a tender violin solo for Strauss’ wife.

Tickets

CYSO presents their fall concert at Orchestra Hall, 220 South Michigan Ave. at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets for general admission floor and upper balcony will be $20; lower balcony $40-$50; boxes $60. Children aged 7 and under are free. Tickets are on sale now at http://cyso.org/tickets or from the Symphony Center box office.

About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras is investing in the future of music and the next generation of leaders. As part of their commitment to performing new music and diversifying the classical music canon, CYSO is thrilled to present the Chicago premiere of Clarice Assad’s “Bohemian Queen.”

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. After more than 75 years of music-making, CYSO continues to shape generations of young leaders and musicians. Students collaborate and create in a learning environment like no other, developing fundamental skills including leadership, teamwork, and resilience. We are committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering each young musician so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off stage.

CYSO works with young musicians ages 6-18 in on-site and school-based ensembles and offers community programming reaching audiences of all ages across the Chicago region. Our programs include symphony orchestras, string orchestras, steelpan, jazz band, chamber music, and music composition. We invest in our community through CYSO@CPS school-based ensembles and free concerts that reach more than 10,000 young people annually.

CYSO promotes and provides ensemble-focused programming because we believe in the power of community. A young musician’s time at CYSO is a pathway of opportunity and growth, but they do not walk it alone. By bringing together young people from across the region, CYSO students build bonds with those who come from different backgrounds and share a passion for music. They develop the skills necessary to thrive as an ensemble. Whether or not a student continues musical studies after their time in CYSO, young people leave with increased self-confidence and a deep appreciation for music and the arts.

Major support for CYSO’s 2022-2023 season is provided by: the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Ross Bricker and Nina Vinik, Dr. Louanne Carabini and Shawn O’Leary, Pam and Dave Conroy, J. Lawrence and Susan Costin, Crown Family Philanthropies, the Julius N. Frankel Foundation, Kelly and Dennis Howe, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity, and the Arts at Prince, Jim and Ginger Meyer, Ms. Jennifer Myerberg and The Alvin and Louise Myerberg Family Foundation, Inc., the Negaunee Foundation, Angela and Dana O’Banion, Bonita and Delano O’Banion, John and Joyce Schladweiler, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. and Terry Schwartz, Brittany Viola and Justin Bernbrock, and the Zell Family Foundation.

RED BULL SYMPHONIC: RICK ROSS × Orchestra Noir

RAP ICON RICK ROSS AND ACCLAIMED

ALL-BLACK SYMPHONY, ORCHESTRA NOIR RING IN U.S. DEBUT OF RED BULL SYMPHONIC IN ATLANTA

Award-Winning Violinist Mapy and Soulful Southern Ensemble Sainted Trap Choir Kicked Off the Show with a Medley of Hip-Hop Hits, followed by Rick Ross and Orchestra Noir Performing Songs from Ross’ Indelible Catalog

On Friday, November 4, Red Bull Symphonic—an unprecedented collaboration of hip-hop and classical symphony—made its stateside debut in the cultural mecca of Atlanta, Georgia with rap icon Rick Ross performing with the all-Black symphony, Orchestra Noir. The sold out, standing room only event, held at the prestigious Atlanta Symphony Hall, delivered a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of music, community, and Black excellence.

After Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers led the Orchestra in a traditional symphony overture written specially for the evening, award-winning Parisian violinist Mapy took to the stage to perform a medley of hits, including Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love, Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam,” and Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna.” Next up, acclaimed ensemble Sainted Trap Choir blessed the crowd with a soulful set of hip-hop covers that paid homage to the spirit of the evening.

The biggest boss himself, multi-platinum superstar and rap icon Rick Ross, then brought the house down with an hour-long set of 26 of his greatest hits, including “Aston Martin Music,” “Devil is a Lie,” “I’m a Boss,” “Hustlin,” and “Stay Schemin,” which he dedicated to late rapper Takeoff. With DJ Sam Sneak on the tables, Ross had the crowd on their feet all night, concluding with an epic version of “God Did” that included an appearance by both Mapy and Sainted Trap Choir.

ABOUT RED BULL SYMPHONIC:

Merging classic with contemporary, Red Bull Symphonic is a groundbreaking spectacle that brings together today’s most exciting and influential artists with a full-scale symphonic orchestra. The show celebrates Red Bull Symphonic’s first-ever debut in the U.S. and pays homage to the heritage of hip-hop and the excellence of Black musicianship in the city of Atlanta. For over two decades, Red Bull has supported artists and local communities worldwide through festivals, workshops, and artist collaborations, with Red Bull Symphonic adding to a successful history of events in Atlanta (previous Atlanta-based events include: Red Bull Culture Clash 2018, Red Bull Music Festival 2019, Red Bull Zeltron World Wide 2020 and Red Bull SoundClash 2021).

Mostly Mozart Festival

Pianist/composer Conrad Tao’s upcoming appearances with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra under the direction of Louis Langrée at Damrosch Park on July 19 and 20, presented by Lincoln Center as part of Summer for the City.

Conrad will be performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 and Still’s “Out of the Silence”, arranged for piano, flute, and strings, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The program also features the overture to Bologne’s lone surviving complete opera, L’Amant anonyme.

The Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra performs two free outdoor concerts in Damrosch Park in celebration of the city in Renée and Robert Belfer Music Director Louis Langrée’s 20th year at the helm. Incorporating Music: Not Impossible wearable technology for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members, the program opens with the overture to Bologne’s lone surviving complete opera, L’Amant anonyme. The virtuosic pianist Conrad Tao joins for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 and Still’s “Out of the Silence” from his impressionistic Seven Traceries, arranged for piano, flute, and strings. The evening culminates with Tao and the orchestra performing Gershwin’s jazz-tinged Rhapsody in Blue.

Conductor: Louis Langrée

Soloist: Conrad Tao, piano

PROGRAM:

BOLOGNE Overture to L’amant anonyme

MOZART Piano Concerto No. 17

STILL “Out of the Silence,” from Seven Traceries

GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue

92nd Street Y

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92nd Street Y (92Y) is a nonprofit civic and cultural facility that aims to bring people together through the performing and visual arts, education, health, fitness and Jewish life. 92Y has a wide assortment of programs, classes and events open for the community that nurture creativity. Such curricula includes online and in-person live concerts, parenting workshops, master, fitness and art classes.

The mission of 92Y is to house resources that promote the physical, mental and spiritual health of individuals throughout their lives. Founded 147 years ago, all the programming generated at the 92Y center is built on the foundation of Jewish values. While curated to serve Jewish people, 92Y follows the Jewish value of welcoming all differing ages, races, religions and ethnicities of people.

The Knights Ensemble in Residence

As a collective of musicians seeking to renovate the orchestral experience, The Knights are artistically directed by the Jacobsen brothers, with Eric Jacobsen as conductor. The Brooklyn-based orchestral cooperative The Knights showcased the first of three concerts during this fall and spring at their residency at 92Y.

The heart of the concert stages two classical works – Schubert’s bright “Unfinished” Symphony and Vaughn Williams’ superb The Lark Ascending, featuring Knights Artistic Director Colin Jacobsen as violin soloist. The programming of The Knights navigates Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the 1990s and Vienna in the 1820s, highlighting subjects of revitalization and renewal, while echoing Schubert in work of a Creole-influenced composer.

360 Magazine was invited to attend The Knights concert on Saturday December 11. We stood by, bearing the recent loss of love. Our heads were heavy, entering this season, but be that as it may, we gathered the courage. And, what the audience witnessed was nothing short of astonishing – suspensive string clips, haunting flute sounds coupled with intermittent triangular percussion rings penetrated the auditorium.

Eric (conductor) and Colin’s limitless love for one another was the vitality of this whole series. Their playlist literally tickled our souls, watered our desires while our vellum hairs danced with deception. Each section took us on a mental roller coaster – sitting in the forward car, enjoying the initial fall with our hands toward the sky. This meticulously blended set is like good wine and possesses all the sweet and refreshing notes of Napa.

Eric ran into sweat directing while we were all mesmerized at his art of bending the air. Colin dominated the audience with his vulnerability, eerie arrangement and tremendous talent. To sum up, The Knights adopt an unorthodox approach to music, exposing their joie de vivre to whomever is willing to embrace their truth.

Eric Jacobsen

Conductor of The Knights Eric Jacobson has gained the reputation of leading revolutionary projects. Jacobsen has conducted The Knights at New York venues including Carnegie Hall and Central Park, as well as internationally at the Vienna Musikverein, Cologne Philharmonie and Hamburg Elbphilharmonie. Serving as Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Jacobsen was recently appointed Music Director of the Virginia Symphony. With much call as a guest conductor, he too just led the Camerata Bern, Detroit Symphony, Alabama Symphony, ProMuscia Chamber Orchestra, Deutsche Philharmonie Merck and Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad.

Colin Jacobsen

Known as a violinist and composer, Colin Jacobsen is a captivating figure serving the classical music scene. Jacobsen was named one of the top 100 composures under 40 by NPR listeners. Operating as an active Avery Fisher Career Grant-winning soloist, he has toured with Silkroad since it was established in 2000. For his landmark work in the string quartet Brooklyn Rider and orchestra The Knights, Jacobsen was chosen amongst the nation’s leading visual and performing artists to obtain an esteemed United States Artists Fellowship.

Wed, Jan 19, 2022, 7:30 pm ET

The Knights collaborate with pianist Aaron Diehl for a blend of jazz and classical music. The ensemble welcomes Diehl as they explore Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue and trailblazer Mary Lou Williams‘ Zodiac Suite. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 is also featured with varieties from Ravel’s Baroque-inspired Le Tombeau de Couperin. Closing out the show is Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, arranged by Michael P. Atkinson.

Sat, Apr 30, 2022, 8 pm ET

Edgar Meyer, critically acclaimed double bass virtuoso and composer, unites with The Knights for the New York premiere of his second concerto. The show unfolds with a showing of Jamaican-born British composer Eleanor Alberga’s Shining Gates of Morpheus featuring Knights hornist David Byrd-Marrow. The closing of the show continues the American spirit of Meyer’s work is Coplands’ Appalachian Spring.

Israel Philharmonic Returns to U.S

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Israel Philharmonic Returns to the U.S. with Quartet Performances at Miami Gala

The Philharmonic celebrates its 85^th anniversary in the U.S. after the cancellation of 2020-2021 tour due to COVID-19

American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) announced a series of galas headlined by an Israel Philharmonic string quartet in seven U.S. cities this December, including a Gala in Miami on December 2^nd supported by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. The events mark the first international performances after more than a year under lockdown and coincide with the Philharmonic’s return to its home concert hall for its 85^th season.

“As the world emerges from a global pandemic—and as our institution returns from the first hiatus in its storied history—we believe that experiencing the music of the Israel Philharmonic in person is a needed force for joy and healing,” said Danielle Ames Spivak, CEO and Executive Vice President of AFIPO. “The Israel Philharmonic was founded during an unprecedented crisis—to save Jewish musicians fleeing the Holocaust. Resiliency is the lifeblood of our orchestra, and we are proud to once again emerge from this period of hardship stronger than ever before.”

The galas will kick off in New York on December 1st with host Bar Refaeli and will honor prominent patrons and friends of the institution, including “Jeweler to the Stars” and philanthropist Lorraine Schwartz (New York), Jewish education revolutionary and philanthropist Harold Grinspoon (Miami), and renowned philanthropists Barbro & Bernard Osher and Varda Rabin (San Francisco).

“We are thrilled to be honoring Harold Grinspoon—not only for his visionary leadership in creating programming that reaches families from all walks of life but also for demonstrating the power of sharing literacy and the arts,” said Ames Spivak. “The Harold Grinspoon Foundation and its flagship program, PJ Library, are vital programming partners that allow us to bring the music of the Israel Philharmonic to our youngest generations.”

The string quartet is comprised of Israel Philharmonic Concertmaster David Radzynski, violinist Polina Yehudin, violist Yoni Gertner, and Principal Cello Haran Meltzer.

“The Philharmonic is Israel’s preeminent cultural ambassador,” said Jim Ackerman, President of the AFIPO Board of Directors. “Bringing a string quartet—one of the most extraordinary and historic chamber music ensembles—to the United States is the premier way to showcase the incredible talent Israel has to offer.”

Click here to learn more about the events in each city, including repertoire, chairs, honorees, and venues.

Teatro Nuovo’s The Barber of Seville

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By: Emily Bunn × Armon Hayes × Vaughn Lowery x Sydney Mayer

On Wednesday night, 360 Magazine had the pleasure of viewing Teatro Nuovo‘s The Barber of Seville. While we were originally visiting Chicago on assignment, after finding out about this monumental production, we knew it couldn’t be missed. We immediately dropped what we were doing and used our Amtrak monthly pass to dash to Damrosch Park in New York City.

Our experience was impressive from the start as soon as we entered the space. Damrosch Park is part of the Lincoln Center complex nearby Fordham University Lincoln Center. It includes the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim outdoor bandshell in the greenspace’s center. The park encompasses the Metropolitan Opera House, the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater), and Philharmonic Hall (later Avery Fisher Hall and now David Geffen Hall).

The opera buffa invited in guests with a whimsical atmosphere of musical merrymaking. This classic two-act opera, originally by Gioachino Rossini with an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini, was developed into a cutting-edge interpretation by Teatro Nuovo–Italian for the new theater. The expansive stage, which included a backdrop with soft, rosy clouds, was decorated with a cast of performers donning black-tie apparel. The rostrum was well-lit and easily viewable from all angles of the venue.

The enchanted lighting cast a sultry wash of deep blue hues over all the guests in attendance. Opera enthusiasts of all ages were present for one of the first shows since lockdown. Joining us were people from all ages, races and walks of life: biracial couples, youthful gay couples, and arts aficionados who appeared to be well into their 90s. This sensual, post-pandemic moment of calm finally brought New York’s community of playwrights, musical lovers, and opera fans together yet again.

This marvelous production of The Barber of Seville has surely been long-awaited by many – a worthy cause for celebration. Still, Teatro Nuovo employed all current CDC guidelines. Similar to the seating at fashion shows, guests were organized into pods of two people. Security guards were also present at the venue to enforce these restrictions.

The orchestra was unbelievably incredible, climaxing to a crashing cadenza that captivated the entire audience. Impressively, the conductor of the show also played violin. The cast was headlined by mezzo-soprano Hannah Ludwig. She was joined by the Figaro of Bass, Hans Tashjian, and the Almaviva of tenor, Nicholas Simpson. The three artists are additionally accompanied by soprano Alina Tamborini as Berta, bass Daniel Fridley as Don Basilio, and baritones Scott Purcell and Kyle Oliver as Bartolo and Fiorello, respectively. All of the singers had impressive skill and exhibited raw, uninhibited talent. Their on-stage vulnerability lent for an impassioned delivery which was impactful to all who were lucky enough to hear it. Bellowing vocals swelled the venue with their prolific pipes.

The opera included an intermission, which kindly allowed for guests to relive themselves and enjoy the provided refreshments.

The classic tale of this passionate love story enraptured the audience of emotional fans. 360 Magazine had goosebumps and became teary-eyed at the sublime, awe-inspiring rendition. The vibrant energy of love made one of our team members wish that their parents were still alive to witness this event. This romantic, operatic show was reminiscent of a foreign film gone wild. Fortunately, sub-captions were included.

Teatro Nuovo’s production of The Barber of Seville was truly the performance of a lifetime. 360 Magazine can now joyously cross seeing this spectacular show off of our bucket list.

A standing ovation for Teatro Nuovo’s The Barber of Seville can be viewed HERE.

*Photo credit: Steven Pisano

Kyle Olliver (Fiorello), Teatro Nuovo chorus. Photo Credit: Steven Pisano.

Hans Tashjian (Figaro), Hannah Ludwig (Rosina), Nicholas Simpson (Almaviva). Photo credit: Steven Pisano.

Hannah Ludwig (Rosina), Nicholas Simpson (Almaviva). Photo credit: Steven Pisano.

Musicians x Social Distancing

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Engineers and musicians from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and the Houston Symphony determined social distancing will not be enough to keep musicians safe while performing on-stage.

Using a high-speed camera, researchers studied air released by musicians who were singing or playing wind instruments.

Ashok Veeraraghavan, a Rice imaging expert, said social distancing is important, but other factors must be taken into account.

“Our main message is that there is no single silver bullet. Performance venues are going to need a mix of several different risk mitigation strategies. Each of them will help a little, and the sum total of all of them will minimize risk to both the performers and the audience,” Veeraraghavan said.

Robert Yekovich, dean of the Shepherd School of Music and co-principal investigator of the study, said a goal of the study was to help people return to the stage, which is why the findings are being published.

“Peer review may take a year or more, and we believe it is imperative to make others aware of what we found,” Yekovich said.

Schlieren imaging is a method used to study airflow, so Yekovich, Veeraraghavan and John Mangum, the president and CEO of the Houston Symphony, used it to study singers and flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trombone, trumpet and tuba players.

With cameras, a high-resolution background and computational algorithms, they were able to see and track air flow after it leaves mouths and instruments and travels throughout the room.

While the travel of large droplets is well-documented, they wanted to study microdroplets, which can linger in the air for hours.

The group hypothesized that the microdroplets would be the most important droplets to pay attention to. The experiment showed that exhaled air and droplets tended to rise to the top of the room.

“Because exhaled air was warmer than the room air, we found most of it rose rather quickly, carrying the bulk of exhaled microdroplets into air currents that were primarily driven by ventilation,” Veeraraghavan said.

They now recommend music venues meeting or exceeding federal guidelines of six room air exchanges per hour. They also suggest that venues themselves consider air filtration above the stage.

Veeraraghavan still said social distancing is important because of the large droplets, adding that masks should be worn.

Mangum thought that social distancing would be the most important thing when welcoming performers and audiences back to venues, but it’s going to take a bit more than standing six feet apart.

“The Rice experiments showed it’s more complex than that. Now we want all musical organizations and individual musicians to benefit from that understanding,” Mangum said.

You can see the results of the study by clicking right here. A video is also available by clicking right here.

The Royal Wedding

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Decca Records is proud to release The Official Recording of The Royal Wedding, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Having recorded the entire service live at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle today, every piece of music, the readings, blessings and the vows will be available to listen to permanently on all streaming services in just a few hours: a first for a Royal Wedding. The physical album, on CD, will then be released into retail stores around the world from 25th May. The recording will also be made available on vinyl. The album cover will be replaced with an exclusive photograph from the wedding.

The musical highlight of the moving and joyous ceremony was British cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, one of the most exciting musicians of his generation, who was personally asked by the bride and groom to perform at their wedding. The 19-year-old musician took centre stage for the all-important signing of the register. Dressed in a black Paul Smith suit with vibrant pink tie, Sheku played three beautiful pieces: Sicilienne by von Paradis, Schubert’s Ave Maria, and Apres Un Reave by Faur. He was accompanied by orchestra*, as the Royal Couple officially became husband and wife. Knowing he was performing not only for the Royal Family, 600 invited guests in the Chapel, and an estimated global audience of up to three billion people, the talented teenager was thrilled to be involved in the occasion.

“It was such an awesome moment, just really incredible to perform for Prince Harry and Meghan at their wedding! The atmosphere was amazing and I’m proud to have played a small part in the celebrations. It’s a day I will remember for the rest of my life,” Sheku Kanneh-Mason (Cellist).

Enhancing the emotion of the occasion, the personal musical choices of Prince Harry and his new wife, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, include Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Divine, John Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You and the hymn Lord Of All Hopefulness, as well as two popular tracks performed by The Kingdom Choir conducted by Karen Gibson: Ben E. King’s hit song Stand By Me and the gospel tune This Little Light Of Mine. The orchestra was fronted by Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and accompanied by trumpet player David Blackadder, organist Luke Bond and State Trumpeters from the Band of the Household Cavalry.

The album’s producer is one of the world’s most experienced, Anna Barry. Grammy nominated Ms Barry has produced over 500 recordings over 25 years, ranging from works by Andrew Lloyd Webber to opera at the Mariinsky Theatre with Valery Gergiev, and many other legendary artists including Jos Carreras and Zubin Mehta.

In a feat of both musical engineering and co-ordination, Anna and the team are delivering a state of the art recording in record-breaking time. The complicated logistical process includes the digital transfer from St George’s Chapel to the mastering in a Kensington studio in order to reach digital platforms faster even than for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The producer said of the recording, “It is a massive responsibility with absolutely no room for error, so I will be relieved when it’s over, but very happy and honoured to be a part of this day,” Anna Barry (Record Producer).

Decca Records is part of Universal Music, the world’s leading music company, and has previously recorded and released the Wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, as well as the Wedding of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981, and the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. This uniquely original new recording, released today, will be the next in a historic line to mark major milestones for The Royal Family, and as such it will enter the homes of millions across the whole world.

Rebecca Allen, President of Decca Records commented: Decca are hugely honoured to have been involved in recording this remarkable day. The choices of music, and the artists involved, were of the highest quality and will now be available for everyone around the world to listen back to, again and again.

Dickon Stainer, President & CEO, Global Classics & Jazz said: “Every word and every note of music from this historic event are now captured forever in the highest quality sound recording. It is something magical and unforgettable.”

Decca will make a donation per album sold to support the charitable work of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Royal Foundation is used as the main vehicle for Their Royal Highnesses’ philanthropic activities, including programmes such as Heads Together, Coach Core, and the Endeavour Fund (reg. charity no. 1132048). Ms. Markle will join The Royal Foundation as its fourth Patron following her marriage.

*The orchestra is made up of musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green.

Album Tracklisting:

1. Royal Salute (The Arrival Of Her Majesty The Queen And His Royal Highness The Duke Of Edinburgh) The State Trumpeters

2. Rejoicing (The Arrival Of The Bride) The State Trumpeters

3. Handel: Eternal Source of Light Divine (Birthday Ode for Queen Anne) HWV 74 Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano)

4. The Welcome The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean Of Windsor

5. The Preface The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean Of Windsor

6. Traditional: Lord Of All Hopefulness Luke Bond (organ), James Vivian (conductor), Choir Of St.George’s Chapel, Windsor

7. The Declarations Prince Harry, Ms Meghan Markle, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury

8. The Collect The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury

9. Reading From The Song Of Solomon Lady Jane Fellowes

10. Tallis: If Ye Love Me James Vivian (conductor), Choir Of St.George’s Chapel, Windsor

11. The Address The Most Reverend Michael Curry

12. Stand By Me The Kingdom Choir, Karen Gibson (conductor)

13. The Vows Prince Harry, Ms Meghan Markle, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury

14. The Giving Of The Rings Prince Harry, Ms Meghan Markle, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury

15. The Proclamation The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury

16. Rutter: The Lord Bless You and Keep You Luke Bond (organ), James Vivian (conductor), Choir Of St.George’s Chapel, Windsor

17. The Blessing Of The Marriage The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop Of Canterbury

18. The Prayers Archbishop Angaelos, The Reverend Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin

19. Hughes, Williams: Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer Luke Bond (organ), James Vivian (conductor), Choir Of St.George’s Chapel, Windsor

20. The Blessing The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean Of Windsor

21. von Paradis: Sicilienne in E Flat Major (Arr. Hazell) Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello), Christopher Warren-Green (conductor), Members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra

22. Faur Apres Un Reave, Op.7 (Arr. Hazell) Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello), Christopher Warren-Green (conductor), Members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra

23. Schubert: Ave Maria, D.839 (Arr. Hazell) Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello), Christopher Warren-Green (conductor), Members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra

24. Traditional: National Anthem The State Trumpeters, Luke Bond (organ), Christopher Warren-Green (conductor), Members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra, James Vivian (choir conductor), Choir Of St.George’s Chapel, Windsor

25. Boyce: 1. Allegro (Symphony No.1 in B flat Major) Christopher Warren-Green (conductor), Members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, English Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra

26. Amen, This Little Light Of Mine The Kingdom Choir, Karen Gibson (conductor)

27. Traditional: Grandsire Triples Quarter Peal Bell Ringers Of St George’s

NB. Bold titles indicate spoken word

Album link – http://lnk.to/OfficialRoyalWeddingPR

About Decca Records

Decca is one of the world’s iconic record labels. The logo has been associated with some of recorded music’s defining acts: The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Luciano Pavarotti and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few. In recent years Decca Records has been selected as the official label partner of high profile events such as the 2011 Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the London 2012 Olympics and the 2016 Paralympics. Decca is also home to such diverse and distinctive artists as Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Gregory Porter, Melody Gardot, Aurora, The Shires, Ludovico Einaudi, Imelda May, Alfie Boe, The Lumineers and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Find out more at: decca.com

About Sheku Kanneh-Mason

19-year-old cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason is one of the brightest young stars in classical music. He won BBC Young Musician 2016, made his BBC Proms debut the following year, and released his debut album, Inspiration, on Decca the year after that. Sheku is currently a student at the Royal Academy of Music and combines his studies there with an increasingly busy international concert career. He is passionate about making classical music accessible to all and is Junior Ambassador for the music education charity London Music Masters. Prince Harry saw Sheku play at an event in London last June supporting the work of Antiguan children’s charities through the Halo Foundation.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: www.universalmusic.com

BEN HOWARD NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

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Following his sold out U.K. European tour, Ben Howard will return stateside confirming a run of headlining North American dates this fall. The tour kicks off on September 20 and includes stops at legendary venues such as Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Montreal’s Bell Centre as well as DC’s new venue Anthem. Fans can pre-order Howard’s highly anticipated new album, Noonday Dream, via his official store here to gain exclusive pre-sale access to the North American tour. Alternatively, artist pre-sale begins on Monday, April 30 at 10 A.M. local time and general on-sale begins on Friday, May 4 at 10 A.M. local time. See below for complete tour details.

BEN HOWARD LIVE
May 27—Lisbon, Portugal—Coliseu dos Recreios
May 28—Porto, Portugal—Teatro Sa Da Barderia
May 29—San Sebastián, Spain—Teatro Victoria Eugenia
June 1—Cologne, Germany—E-Wek
June 3—Oslo, Norway—Sentrum Scene
June 4—Stockholm, Sweden—Cirkus
June 6—Berlin, Germany— Admiralpalast
June 8—Warsaw, Poland—Stodola
June 9—Prague, Czech Republic—Divadlo Archa
June 11—Paris, France—Salle Pleyel
June 13-14—London, UK—Hammersmith Apollo
June 28— Edinburgh, IL—Playhouse
June 29—Manchester, UK—Albert Hall
June 30—Cornwall, UK—The Eden Sessions
July 3—Lyon, France—Theatres Romains de Fouviere
July 4— Gardone Riviera, Italy—Anfiteatro del Vittoriale
July 6—Wertcher, Belgium— Rock Wertcher
July 7—Amsterdam, Netherlands— AFAS
July 8—Luxembourg, Germany—Rockhal
July 13—Madrid, Spain—Mad Cool Festival
July 14—Barcelona, Spain—Cruilla Festival
July 22—Byron Bay, Australia—Splendour In The Grass
September 1—Stradbally, Ireland—Electric Picnic
September 8-9—Berlin, Germany—Lollapalooza Berlin
September 20—Burnaby, BC—Deer Lake Park
September 21—Seattle, WA—Paramount Theatre
September 22—Troutdale, OR—Edgefield
September 26—San Diego, CA— Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
September 27—Los Angeles, CA—Shrine Auditorium
September 28—Berkeley, CA—Greek Theatre
October 1—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
October 2—Kansas City, MO—Uptown Theater
October 3—Chicago, IL—Aragon Ballroom
October 5—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage
October 6—Montreal, QC—Bell Centre
October 7—Boston, MA—Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
October 9—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore
October 11—Washington, DC—Anthem
October 12—New York, NY—Hammerstein Ballroom
Bold—Sold Out

VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL CABARET

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SAVE THE DATE: Ventura Music Festival Cabaret

The next major event of the Ventura Music Festival’s 2018 season will take place on Thursday, April 19th with the 3rd annual VMF Cabaret. A celebration of music and culture, the Cabaret will take place at the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn, honoring Spencer & Nancy Garrett and the Pierpont Racquet Club for their outstanding contributions to the Ventura community and culture.

The Cabaret will feature a performance from guitar virtuoso and Latin Grammy-winning singer Twanguero, as well as a live auction to benefit the VMF Young Artists Fund. Tickets for the Cabaret are $150 and will be onsale mid-March on the Ventura Music Festival website. Cabaret Table and Tribute sponsorships are also available.

WHERE: Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn

550 Sanjon Road

Ventura, CA 93001

WHEN: Thursday, April 19

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

ABOUT VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Since 1994, the mission of the Ventura Music Festival has been to bring world-class music to the community, build audience-artist relationships, and enhance the joy of music through diverse offerings for all ages. For more information, please visit www.venturamusicfestival.org.