Performers for 2021 – details for 2022 to follow!
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
For more than seven decades the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been at the forefront of music-making in the UK. It’s home base since 2004 at London’s Cadogan Hall serves as a springboard for seven principal residencies as well as more than forty-five concerts per year in long-term partnership venues across the country, often in areas where access to live orchestral music is very limited. In London, the Orchestra’s regular performances at Cadogan Hall are complemented by a distinguished series at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall and a hugely popular series at the Royal Albert Hall. With a wider reach than any other UK large ensemble, the RPO has truly become Britain’s national orchestra.
Conductor Dr John Rigby
We were delighted that internationally respected conductor Dr John Rigby once again commanded the stage, not only conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra but also acting as compere and host.
Dr John Rigby is a conductor, musical supervisor and musicologist who initially studied orchestral conducting at the University of Huddersfield and the Royal Northern College of Music. He gained his PhD from Kings College London having researched the cultural resonances of Franz Lehár’s ‘Berlin’ operettas during the Weimar Republic. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Arts from Edge Hill University in recognition of his work in musical theatre and conducting.
West End credits include: An American in Paris, Beautiful and Damned, The Drowsy Chaperone, The King and I, The Last Empress, Marguerite, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Peter Pan,The Pirates of Penzance, The Producers & Joseph.
Down for the Count Swing Orchestra
Down for the Count Swing Orchestra brought their electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship to the 2021 Leeds Castle Concert.
‘Down for the Count’ recreated classic tunes from the Swing era, but this was no mere nostalgia trip – the band performed each song in their own unmistakable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music. Combine that with the band’s top-class instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances and irresistible humour and joie de vivre, and the start to the concert was incredibly uplifting, setting the scene for much more to come.
Our Sensational Soloists!
Alexander James Edward made a welcome return to the event having previously performed in 2014 & 2018.
This outstanding Tenor was born in Essex and began his career as a member of the Young Artists’ Programme at the Royal Opera House.
Baritone Felix Kemp a Britten-Pears Young Artist made his debut appearance,
however, he’s no stranger to the stage with a string of operatic and concert performances under his belt.
Tim Howar wowed the crowds in 2018 so we were thrilled to have him return this year.
Tim 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 nickname Tim “the power” Howar. He has toured extensively with Mike and the Mechanics.
It was a hat trick for Louise Dearman who we were lucky enough to have perform in 2018 & 2019.
Louise is a British actress and singer, most well known for playing the roles of Glinda and Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked.
She is a charismatic singer that connects with the audience making everyone feel part of the performance.
New to perform at the event was Emma Williams who made her West End debut as Truly Scrumptious in the original cast of
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, winning the Arts Correspondents’ Award for Best Newcomer
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.
Flight Lieutenant Charlie Brown gave these few words before take-off…
Be part of the next event taking place on Saturday 9th July, 2022.
