Performers
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (RPCO) has built up an international reputation in its 30-year history, performing in the major concert venues across the UK and around the world, from China and the Far East to North and South America. The RPCO is known for its versatile programming of classical, light classical and popular music and has a worldwide reputation for working with internationally renowned artists, ranging from opera luminaries, such as Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras, Bryn Terfel, Renée Fleming, Kiri Te Kanawa and the late Luciano Pavarotti, to popular culture icons, including Burt Bacharach, Rod Stewart, Henry Mancini, Barry Manilow, Liza Minnelli, The Pet Shop Boys, Sting and Kylie Minogue, to name a few.
Conductor John Rigby
We were delighted that internationally respected conductor John Rigby once again command the stage, this year not only conducting the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra but also acting as compere and host.
John has a list of outstanding credits. He conducted the London premiere of An American in Paris and is Musical Supervisor for The Phantom of the Opera US tour and for the London production of School of Rock. He is currently conducting Chess for the English National Opera, a Verdi Gala for Lyric Opera Dublin and the 2018 Johann Strauss Tour for Raymond Gubbay Ltd.
John Rigby said:
“This year we celebrated the heritage that this unique experience has and also springboarded forward with a refreshed approach and programme. There was more of a party flavour and it was a joy to see the audience singing and dancing into the summer night.”
The Band of the Grenadier Guards
The Band of the Grenadier Guards has been filling the streets of London with music and colour for over three centuries, and this year they bring their truly historic sounds and sights to Leeds Castle in Kent. The band marched down from Leeds Castle’s Fairfax Hall in full guard regalia to their famous Grenadier Guard Band march which provided a wonderful spectacle.
The band was joined on stage by the sensational Patriot Girls.
The Patriot Girls
These West-End leading ladies, who were a huge hit with the crowd last year, are one of the most versatile singing acts in the business and regularly perform all over the world. Due to their backgrounds in opera, musical theatre and the pop/session world, they sing a multitude of vocal styles, which is ideal for this outdoor musical celebration.
Our Sensational Soloists
Louise Dearman
Louise Dearman is a British actress and singer, most well known for playing the roles of Glinda and Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked. Radio and Television: Lois Lane in BBC Proms Kiss Me Kate (BBC2). Louise is a regular guest on Friday Night is Music Night for (BBC Radio 2), the voice of Clara (Confused.com) and has recorded for Heart, Magic and Capital FM.
Louise has released several solo recordings and is currently working on her new album due for release later this year. Louise & Mark Evans released their book Secrets of Stage Success in spring 2015 published by Nick Hern Books.
For more information please visit louisedearman.com.
Tim Howar
Tim Howar is a Canadian actor, singer and songwriter based in London and is known for having one of the most versatile voices in the business, which earned him the nick name Tim “the power” Howar. His UK theatre credits include: Rock of Ages, Tonight’s the Night, Peggy Sue got married, Shoes, On the Town, Ragtime and Latin Fever. Canadian/USA credits include: RENT, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly, Miss Saigon, Baby, John Grey’s Rock’n Roll, Tommy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The House of Martin Guerre, Anne of Green Gables and OLIVER!
Tim is currently the lead singer for Mike and the Mechanics., he is also a regular soloist for Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas concerts as well as The Best of James Bond.
For more information please visit timhowar.com.
Katie Bird
Katie Bird originally from Bearsted in Kent, grew up with the Leeds Castle Classical Concert on her doorstep.
Last year, this sensational Soprano made her debut for English National Opera, singing Masha and Chloe in David Alden’s new production of The Queen of Spades. Katie has also recently made solo debuts with Scottish Opera, Northern Ireland Opera, Opera North, Neville Holt Opera and Longborough Festival Opera. Katie is looking forward to returning to perform to a home crowd.
For more information please visit katiebirdsoprano.co.uk.
Alexander James Edwards
Alexander James Edwards was born in Essex and began his career as a member of the Young Artists’ Programme at the Royal Opera House. Other companies he has worked with include English National Opera English Touring Opera, Grange Park Opera, Opera Holland Park and Opera North. He last performed at the event in 2014 and is delighted to be returning to Leeds Castle this year.
For more information please visit thetenor.co.uk.
Aero Legends
The event once again included a spectacular fly-over with a Spitfire from the Aero Legends stable taking to the skies – a fitting tribute to this heritage event.
Be part of next year’s event on Saturday 13th July – tickets are available here.
