Performers for 2022
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. Its 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 are delighted that internationally respected conductor Dr John Rigby will once again command 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 and we’re so excited that they’ll be getting the party started again this year!
‘Down for the Count’ recreate classic tunes from the Swing era, but this is no mere nostalgia trip – the band perform 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 will be incredibly uplifting, setting the scene for much more to come.
This year’s sensational soloists
Scottish Born Actress and Singer, Kelly Mathieson will be making her debut performance. Kelly made her name in the Musical Theatre industry when she landed the lead role of Christine Daaé in the Original Production of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ in the West End. Growing up, Kelly trained firstly as a ballet dancer with the prestigious Scottish Ballet Company but decided to focus her career path on classical singing at the Royal College of Music before transitioning into Musical Theatre.
Louise Dearman is no stranger to the stage having mesmerised the audience with her performances last year and 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.
MALES SOLOISTS ARE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
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.
