Classical

Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven at the Hellenic Centre On Monday 16 November

charlotte — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:38:00 GMT

Piano Recital Panayiotis Gogos London - 16/11/2009

Chopin, Mozart and Beethoven at the Hellenic Centre On Monday 16 November at 7.15pm, the Hellenic Centre is presenting a piano recital by the distinguished pianist Panayiotis Gogos at its Great Hall. The program, built around Frederic Chopin's 24 Preludes, also includes the highly dramatic Fantasie by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Moonlight Sonata, the most renown of romantic compositions from Ludwig van Beethoven's 32 sonatas. The audience will have the opportunity to appreciate these profoundly emotional works inspired by their famous composers’ private lives. In 2005, the Greek Academy of Art & Literature in Athens awarded Panayiotis Gogos the prize as “Best Young Soloist.” Panayiotis Gogos is scheduled to perform his debut recital at the famous Konzerthaus Vienna in December 2009. He will also take part in concerts in Rome, Berlin ,Vienna and Athens within next year and he has also been chosen to participate in the ccommemoration for the “Year Chopin 2010,” 200 years from the famous composer’s day of Birth, at the prestigious Polish Society Salon Chopin. His artistry is considered as a continuance to the great pianistic tradition of Alfred Cortot and Edwin Fischer. www.panayiotisgogos.com Entry is free, but please confirm attendance on 020 7563 9835 or email: press@helleniccentre.org. The Hellenic Centre, 16-18 Paddington St., Marylebone W1U 5AS, www.helleniccentre.org

katherine Jenkins - I believe (from new album) at Strictly Come Dancing 2009 / Slow waltz

charlotte — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Beautiful slow waltz performed by Vincent and Flavia in Strictly Come Dancing 2009 (S07 E01) Danced on the new song I believe from Katherine Jenkins.

The first six years of Katherine Jenkins career have already been extraordinary in every sense of the word. Under the stewardship of producer David Foster (credited with the careers of Josh Groban, Michael Buble and most recently Seal's comeback) made her most ambitious album to date.

Katherine spent the spring of 2009 in LA at Foster's studio, recording 'Believe', the seventh album of her phenomenal career. Together they have produced a record of epic proportions that is set to take Katherine to new heights of success around the world.

Michael Bublé - "Haven't Met You Yet"

charlotte — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:53:00 GMT

Michael Bublé - "Haven't Met You Yet" official music video. New album Crazy Love available October 9th.

Today's most popular crooner Michael Buble steps outside the box for this fourth studio album, his follow-up to 2007's 'Call Me Irresponsible'. Moving away from the Rat Pack stylings of yore, here he adopts a decidedly 70s sounding singer songwriter feel with which he sounds equally at home. Produced by pop staples David Foster and Humberto Gatica with the surprise addition of Bob Rock (Metallica), the album includes two Buble originals and features a guest spot from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

Classical and Christmas Carol Concerts in London

charlotte — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:09:00 GMT

London's major concert venues all stage performances at Christmas. Many feature world-famous singers and orchestras as well as family-friendly, sing-a-long shows.

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a beautiful 18th Century church with an extensive Christmas programme throughout December, including carols by candlelight with the London Concert Choir, and family carols.

The Royal Albert Hall always stages a number of popular shows at Christmas. This spectacular venue makes the performances extra special. Highlights include:

John Rutter's Christmas Celebration, 12 Dec
Carol singalong and concert hosted by John Rutter and featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Christmas Carol Singalong, 13 Dec
All your favourite carols and songs, plus the London Concert Orchestra
The BT Christmas Concert, 15 Dec
Angela Rippon hosts an evening of classical music, carols and an indoor fireworks finale

There aren't many more spectacular venues than St Paul's Cathedral to enjoy a Christmas concert. There are many which are open to the public, and some are free, but be prepared to queue! Check whether events are ticketed in advance:

Messiah by Georg Frederick Handel, supported by Fidelity International, 3 Dec
Breast Cancer Carols, 9 Dec
Celebrity readings and singing from professional choirs, plus G4's Jonathan Ansell. Raising money for Breast Cancer Care.
Christmas Eve Carol Service, 24 Dec

The Barbican boasts a varied line-up of Christmas concerts this year, including:

Make the Yuletide Gay, 19 Dec
Old and modern Christmas songs performed by the Gay Men's Chorus and presented by Sandie Shaw
Christmas with Hayley Westonra, 21 Dec
Performing best-loved carols and songs
Brenda Edwards' Gospel Christmas, 22 Dec
Gospel and soul magic with Brenda's powerful vocals

Duke Bluebeard's Castle / The Rite of Spring

charlotte — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:36:00 GMT

06 - 10 Nov 2009 Tue, Fri 7:30 PM; 12 Nov 2009 7:30 PM; 14 Nov 2009 6:30 PM; 20 - 25 Nov 2009 Wed, Fri 7:30 PM; 28 Nov 2009 6:30 PM

London Coliseum
St Martin's Lane

London

WC2N 4ES

0870 1450200

Duke Bluebeard's Castle / The Rite of Spring at the London Coliseum

Prepare to be whisked away as English National Opera (ENO) presents Bartók's opera Duke Bluebeard's Castle and Stravinsky's ballet The Rite of Spring.

This exciting collaboration of director Daniel Kramer and Michael Keegan-Dolan's dance company Fabulous Beast is conducted by ENO Music Director Edward Gardner.

Duke Bluebeard's Castle is Bartók's only opera. The one-act piece is based on the chilling fairytale by Charles Perrault written in 1911.

In the story, Duke Bluebeard brings his new wife Judith to his castle and she is curious to know what lies behind each of the castle's seven closed doors.

The title role is sung by Clive Bayley (Raimondo in ENO's Lucia di Lammermoor), with Michaela Martens (Kostelnicka in ENO's Jenufa) as Judith.

When Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring was first performed, it was met with great controversy. Today The Rite of Spring is considered one of most influential pieces of 20th century music.

See the acclaimed Fabulous Beast Dance Company resurrect the famous ballet under director and choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan.

The innovative company of 20 dancers perform the story of a young girl who is sacrificed for her community's future.

Maurice Jarre - Doctor Zhivago

charlotte — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:33:00 GMT

Maurice Jarre conducts in tribute of David Lean, 1992. (Sound track of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO writen and conducted by Maurice Jarre,1965).

Renee Fleming : Verismo

charlotte — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:26:00 GMT

Renee Fleming sings opera arias by Puccini and his contemporaries. Celebrating the composers of the Verismo style. This disc includes favourite Puccini arias from La Boheme, Turandot, Manon Lescaut, Il Trittico etc. and rarely heard arias by other Verismo composers.

Also featured is the world premiere recording of the original manuscript version of the aria from Puccini's Manon Lescaut. Rising star tenor Jonas Kaufmann joins Renee for an irresistible melody from Act II of Puccini's La Rondine.

Nicola Benedetti - Szymanowski Violin Concerto

charlotte — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:25:00 GMT

Aug 2009 - Petrenko: Benedetti: Rlpo

Va: Fantasie

Joining Nicola on her latest recording - 'Fantasie' are The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra - Vasily Patrenko, The London Philharmonic Orchestra - Andrew Litton and Alexei Grynuk - piano.

Sarasate

1. Zigeunerweisen Opus 20

Vaughan Williams

2. The Lark Ascending

Sain-Saens

3. Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso In A Minor

Massenet

4. Meditation From Thais

Ravel

5. Tzigane

Part

6. Spiegel Im Spiegel

Rachmaninov

7. Vocalise Opus 34 No.14 (OW)

Faure

8. Apres Une Reve

London Tower Music Festival: Classical Extravaganza

charlotte — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:40:00 GMT

18 Sep 2009

Tower of London, London. EC3N 4AB

0844 4827777

£27.50 to £35.00 per ticket

A Gala Evening of Popular Classics conducted by Anthony Gabriele with Nigel Hutchison (Piano) and Natasha March (Soprano).

The Tower Festival is back for its fourth year with as spectacular a line up as ever. Presented by Harvey Goldsmith and AEG Live, the festival will take place 10 - 20 September in front of the impressive backdrop of the Tower.

BROKEN EMBRACES - Soundtrack

charlotte — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:37:00 GMT

Broken Embraces , the newly released film by Pedro Almodóvar, features a cast that includes Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo, Carmen Machi, Rubén Ochandiano, Tamar Novas, and José Luis Gómez.

Defined by Pedro Almodóvar himself as a “heartbreaking crazy love story, set in the ‘90’s and in the present”, Broken Embraces comes with one of those unique soundtracks that you have learned to expect from the colourful Spanish director.

Alberto Iglesias, the films score composer, has worked with Almodóvar for the last 12 years and three out of the seven Goya Awards he received for his music have been for Almodóvar’s films; Volver (2006), Talk To Her (2002), and All About My Mother (1999).

Iglesias is also the composer of other Almodovar film sound scores like The Flower Of My Secret, Live Flesh, and Bad Education. He has also created soundtracks for film directors such as Oliver Stone, John Malkovich, Fernando Meirelles, Marc Foster, Julio Medem, Carlos Saura, Bigas Luna, and Icíar Bollaín.

Amongst his array of talents, Iglesias has written music for the ballet and he has a striking curriculum of international awards, including seven Spanish Goya’s Awards and nominations for the Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta awards.

The Broken Embraces soundtrack includes tracks from Can, Uffe, Miguel Poveda and Cat Power whilst all the other songs are performed by Alberto Iglesias.

Teatro - 'Music Of The Night'

charlotte — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:55:00 GMT

Debut album from theatrical easy-listening act Teatro. A collection of covers from the stage that are illuminated by the band's stunning vocal range, this album is a must for theatre-goers everywhere. Includes the tracks 'Music Of The Night', 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' and 'Maria'.

Far Away - Libera

charlotte — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:43:00 GMT

This release contains everything that the album suggests. "THE BEST OF LIBERA". a compilation of previously released material with some new songs including the most recent "How can I keep from singing" made even more popular by it's use behind the current Christmas tv advert for Waitrose.

Elin Manahan Thomas - "Eternal Source of Light Divine"

charlotte — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:40:00 GMT

Elin Manahan Thomas - Papa Haydn lends her wonderful soprano voice to this programme of Haydn's Welsh folk pieces that are united with the original Welsh verses to which Haydn never had access. In addition, this disc features highlights from Haydn's masterpiece, The Creation, and his intricate writing for the piano.

Katherine Jenkins - Rejoice - Channel 7 'Sunrise' Australia

charlotte — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:12:00 GMT

The incomparable voice and beauty of Welsh Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins on show as she performs, live, the title track of her new album 'Rejoice' on the Channel 7 'Sunrise' show, Sydney, Australia, Monday 10th March 2008.

Klaus Badelt-Pirates of the Caribbean-RTS Symphony Orchestra

charlotte — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:04:00 GMT

Conductor: Antonia Joy Wilson
Symphony Orchestra of Radio Television of Serbia
Klaus Badelt: Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl
"Movie Magic" concert
November 7th, 2007
Kolarac Concert Hall, Belgrade

Johnny Depp stars in this film of pirates, curses and adventure that also gave birth to Klaus Badelt's career as a major composer. Pirates was German born Klaus Badelt's first lead role on a big budget film; one that went onto be a major blockbuster putting him firmly on the treasure map as a film composer.

Britain's Got Talent - Faryl Smith - Final

charlotte — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:30:00 GMT

After a bidding war ensued while Faryl Smith appeared in the final of 2008's Britain's Got Talent, the Kettering born singer finally opted for a 2.3 million pound deal with Universal Music. This, her debut album, sees Smith covering a selection of easy listening and classical standards with the backing of a sixty piece orchestra, while showcasing her unique vocal talent, often compared to fellow mezzo-sopranos Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Church.

Escala

charlotte — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:44:00 GMT

ESCALA, the gorgeous electric string quartet who caused a sensation in the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent 2008, finally unleash their astonishing, Trevor Horn produced debut album on the 25th May. Fusing contemporary sounds with classical instruments, ESCALA boast the freshest and most innovative sound of the year and are destined to take the international charts by storm.

ESCALA are violinists Victoria Lyon, aged 25, and Izzy Johnston, 25. Chantal Leverton, a viola player aged 25 and cellist Tasya Hodges, 26 complete the line up.

The BBC Proms

charlotte — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:19:00 GMT

17 July 2009 to 12 September 2009

www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009

The greatest classical music festival on earth returns to London's Royal Albert Hall.

Around 170 events featuring the world's best artists and composers are packed into the 8-week BBC Proms's schedule for 2009.

For the first time this year, the number of concerts has reached 100.

The 2009 BBC Proms season features fantastic major festival days and big weekends.

Among the highlights are:

Indian Voices Day, culminating in the first Bollywood Prom

Multiple Pianos Day

10th anniversary weekend celebrations for BBC Radio 3's New Generation Artists and Daniel Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

A weekend of concerts celebrating Delius, Elgar and Holst who died 75 years ago

Large-scale performances of Handel's Messiah and Haydn's The Creation

Beethoven's opera Fidelio conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Purcell's The Fairy Queen from Glyndebourne

Sir Charles Mackerras conducting Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience

A Late Night Prom featuring The Silk Road Ensemble and Yo-Yo Ma

A 75th birthday celebration of classic MGM musicals

A debut for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, his first Prom with a symphony orchestra

Paul Potts on Australia's Got Talent 2009 (WideScreen)

charlotte — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:56:00 GMT

Paul was the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2007.

Paul Potts with an amazing performance from his new album Passione. The first time ever I saw your face. Exclusive live Australian performance!

After shooting to fame in 2007 when he won ITV's Britain's Got Talent competition. Formerly a mobile phone salesman, Potts' humble beginnings and impressive tenor voice immediately resonated with the public, and his first album 'One Chance' was an international smash. 'Passione' sees him tackle a similarly mixed repertoire, but with a slightly larger emphasis on the classics on recordings like Chopin's 'Tristesse' and Puccini's 'E Lucevan Le Stelle'. As was with his debut, pop impresario Simon Cowell features on production duties.

Classical Brit for UK trumpeter

charlotte — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:35:00 GMT

Trumpeter Alison Balsom has become the first British woman to win best female at the Classical Brit awards.

Balsom, 30, who won the young British classical performer in 2006, said: "This award means so much to me."

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards won the prestigious album of the year for Spirit of the Glen: Journey, recorded during their tour of duty in Iraq.

The event, at London's Royal Albert Hall, also saw opera star Jose Carerras pick up a lifetime achievement award.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Placido Domingo and the Duchess of Cornwall presented Carreras with his gong.

He added that expressing himself through his voice was "something I think I was born for".

Faryl Smith - River Of Light (Blue Danube)

charlotte — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:25:00 GMT

The official video for 'River of Light' taken from the debut album, 'Faryl'.

Smith signed a contract with Universal Classics and Jazz for a £2.3 million in December 2008, the largest ever granted to a schoolgirl. Her debut album, Faryl, was recorded in December 2008 and January 2009, and was released in March 2009. Faryl became the fastest selling solo classical album in British chart history, selling 29,200 copies in the first week. It debuted at number 6, but rose to number 4 in the following week, making Smith the third Britain's Got Talent contestant to have a top ten album. Smith lives with her parents in Kettering, where she attends Southfield School for Girls.

Continental Airlines Tower Festival

charlotte — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:58:00 GMT

10 September 2009 to 20 September 2009

Tower of London, London. EC3N 4AB

0844 4827777

The Continental Airlines Tower Festival celebrates opera, dance, jazz, world and classical music, all in one of London's most famous historic royal palaces.

Nigel Kennedy - gala opening with leading violinist Nigel Kennedy performing with the Philharmonia Orchestra for an evening of Bach concertos and the music of Duke Ellington

Sadler's Wells Is Dance – gala performance featuring the best of ballet, ballroom, flamenco and contemporary dance

Lesley Garrett and the Fron Male Voice Choir – Britain's most popular soprano performs with platinum-selling "voices of the valley" amateur male choir

Gilbert and Sullivan's The Yeoman of the Guard – This new production, presented by Carl Rosa Opera, is a rare chance to see an opera performed in the space where it's set

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the Future Stars of Opera – One of opera's most celebrated contemporary figures leads the Future Stars of Opera concert

Womad Presents – World music festival WOMAD presents a series of one-off performances from artists around the world

The Tower Festival was founded by classical music promoter Harvey Goldsmith CBE who promoted and staged many legendary music concerts including:

Luciano Pavorotti at Hyde Park and Wembley Stadium
The Three Tenors concerts with Pavorotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo
Live Aid in 1982

Kate Royal - Midsummer Night

charlotte — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:52:00 GMT

Kate Royal's second recording for EMI Classics is Midsummer Night, an atmospheric recital collection focusing on female characters in 20th century opera and operetta, reflecting their pain and ecstasy in love.

The programme ranges from well known turn-of-the-century works by Dvořák (Song to the Moon from Rusalka) and Lehár (Vilja from The Merry Widow) to Midsummer Night, from William Alwyns opera Miss Julie. Edward Gardner conducts the English National Opera Orchestra with guest appearances by Thomas Allen, Andrew Staples and the Crouch End Festival Chorus.

Picasso child work up for auction

charlotte — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:13:00 GMT

A portrait by Picasso of his daughter Maya has gone on display in London for the first time.

Picasso kept the 1938 work his whole life and the piece has been in private hands since his death in 1973.

The portrait will be auctioned in New York on 5 May with price predictions reaching $24m (£16.5m).

Maya, who is still alive, is the second of Picasso's four children by three women. At the time of her birth, Picasso was still married to Russian dancer Olga Khokhlova.

Ennio Morricone - The Mission

charlotte — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:13:00 GMT

The Composer: Ennio Morricone - this Italian born composer has written scores of more than 500 films and TV series. Although only 30 of these are for Western films, it is for this work which he is best known. His haunting soundtrack for The Mission is regarded as one of his best.

Released: 1986
Director: Roland Joffe
Cast: Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons

The Film: The Oscar winning 1986 film tells the story of a Spanish Jesuit priest who goes into the South American jungle to build a mission and convert a community of Guarani indians whilst fighting off the dastardly Portuguese colonials, who are trying to enslave the community.

Gladiator(Suite) - Hans Zimmer

charlotte — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:01:00 GMT

Composer: Despite starting off his career playing keyboards and synthesisers for the likes of Ultravox and Buggles, Hans Zimmer has become one of the biggest names in the film music world. Working in much the same way as Michelangelo - that’s not to say, on his back staring at the ceiling - he sometimes operates a collegiate system of writing music, whereby he will employ several composers to work in groups on certain movies, all the time retaining the overall control. Zimmer himself had his first big hit with Rain Man - nominated for an Oscar in 1988 and the Gladiator soundtrack has gone on to achieve legendary status.

Released:2000
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Pheonix, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed

The Film: Ridley Scott transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic. Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general finds himself caught up in the battle for the throne when the Emperor chooses him over his son Commodus. When Maximus discovers that his family has been slaughtered he allows himself to be captured and thrown into the gladiator games in a bid to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honours.

Maurice Jarre scores "Ghost"

charlotte — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:30:00 GMT

The Composer: Maurice Jarre is the now retired French composer and triple Academy Award winner for his scores for Passage To India, Dr Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. As you may have guessed, he's also Jean Michel Jarre's dad.

Released: 1990
Director: Jerry Zucker
Cast: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore

The Film: Shortly after moving into a new Manhattan apartment, a pair of lovers are separated by a street thug's bullet. Communicating through a frazzled false medium, the man's ghost tries to avenge his death and protect his girlfriend.

Love Actually Soundtrack - Glasgow Love Theme

charlotte — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:29:00 GMT

The Score: Craig Armstrong - not only is he a talented Scottish musician and composer who won a Grammy Award for his film score for Ray, but he used to be a face in the Scottish pop music scene as a member of Hipsway and Texas!

Released: 2003
Director: Richard Curtis
Cast: Bill Nighy, Keira Knightly, Colin Firth

The Film: Christmas time in England, the characters are falling in love, falling out of love, some are with the right people, some are with the wrong people, some are looking to have an affair, some are in a period of mourning; a capsule summary of reality. Love begins and love ends. They flirt a lot. They are all flirting with love. In fact it's all about love...actually!

Ladies in Lavender, Violin Joshua Bell, Music Nigel Hess

charlotte — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:51:00 GMT

The Composer: Nigel Hess studied music at Cambridge University, where he was Music Director of the famous Footlights Revue Company. He has since worked extensively as a composer and conductor in television, theatre and film.

Released: 2004
Director: Charles Dance
Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith

The Film: Two aging spinster sisters have their quiet cornish life disrupted when they take a young Polish violinist into their care after they find him half-drowned on the beach. It turns out he's a talented violinist but the sisters are put in a sticky situation when the whole village becomes suspicious of the man and forces the sisters to choose between their neighbours and their dishy virtuoso!

Seven Years in Tibet - Soundtrack 01

charlotte — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:49:00 GMT

The Score: John Williams wrote this evocative score which also features the popular and highly talented cellist Yo Yo Ma.

Release date: 8 October, 1997
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Cast: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis

The Film: Austrians Heinrich Harrer and Peter Aufschnaiter are imprisoned by the British in India at the beginning of World War II in 1939 but escape to Tibet in 1944. They are ordered to return to Tibet but are welcomed at Lhasa and introduced to the Dalai Lama. Harrer becomes his tutor and friend.

Patrick Doyle - It's Only A Diary (Bridget Jones's Diary)

charlotte — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:02:00 GMT

The Composer: Patrick Doyle joined Kenneth Branagh's Renaissance Theatre Company as an actor, composer and musical director back in 1987 and wrote music for many of their renaissance productions. However it wasnt until he was asked to write the score for Branagh's film of Henry V that he began a career in film scoring.

Released: 2001
Director: Sharon Maguire
Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant

The Film: Bridget Jones is struggling with life as an unmarried thirty something. So on New Years Eve she vows to better herself, find a better job, diet, find a man and record all her antics in her diary.

Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall in London

charlotte — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:22:00 GMT

26 Feb - 01 Mar 2009 7:30 PM; 26 Feb - 07 Mar 2009 Sat 2:30 PM; 03 - 07 Mar 2009 7:30 PM; 08 Mar 2009 2:30 PM

Royal Albert Hall

Kensington Gore, London

London

SW7 2AP

020 7589 3203

One of the world's most popular operas returns to London in February. Carmen comes to London's Royal Albert Hall in a spectacular in-the-round production.

The tragedy contains one of opera's best-loved overtures and a heart-wrenching score, this production of Carmen will be sung in English.

Carmen is directed by opera pioneer David Freeman who is known for his contemporary take on opera. He is assisted by designer David Roger whose colourful set and costumes give an exciting take on this classic story.

There will be two superb casts performing in this production of Carmen:

Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole – Carmen
John Dazsak and John Hudson – Don José
Elizabeth Atherton and Lee Bissett – Micaela
Carlos Archuleta and David Kempster – Escamillo

They will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Girl With a Pearl Earring Griet's theme by Alexandre Desplat

charlotte — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:36:00 GMT

Composer: Alexandre Desplat - the Parisian born composer has composed scores for more than 70 films and was nominated for a Golden Globe for this score. Since writing the music for Het meisje met de parel - the original Dutch name for the Vermeer painting around which the film is based - Alexandre Deplat has gone on to further success, most recently with Syriana, which bagged George Clooney his Oscar at the 78th Annual Academy Awards.

Released:2003
Directed by: Peter Webber
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth

The Film: Set in 17th Century Holland, this adaptation of the Tracy Chavalier novel follows the clandestine relationship between the painter Vermeer and his 17 year old maid Griet, the model for one of his most famous works of art, Girl With A Pearl Earring.

Zulu

charlotte — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:07:00 GMT

The Composer: New Yorker John Barry is mostly known for writing the Bond scores, but has also composed music for Oscar winner 'Born Free', 'Out Of Africa' and 'Dances With Wolves'. Barry received the BAFTA Fellowship Award in recognition of his services to film music in 2005.

Released: 22 January 1964
Director: Cy Endfield
Cast: Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Michael Caine

The Film: In 1964 this adventure film was made. It tells the story of the rift between the British Army and the Army of the Zulus - the Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879.

Superman: The Movie Score - Prelude and Main Title March

charlotte — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:55:00 GMT

The Score: John Williams is one of the most widely recognized composers of film scores in the world, best known for his heroic, rousing themes to some of the highest grossing films of all time.

Released: 1987
Director: Richard Donner
Cast: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder

The Film: An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive world’s greatest super-hero. Starring the late Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman, Gene Hackman as Lex Luther and Margot Kidder as Superman’s love interest Lois Lane.

Mozart - Le Nozze De Figaro - Canzonetta sull'aria

charlotte — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:47:00 GMT

The Score: Nominated for an Academy Award in 2004, Thomas Newman's score to this film reflects the emotional intensity of the film. A particular highlight of the movie was the beautiful 'Sull 'Aria' from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera 'Le Nozze di Figaro', which was broadcast live to the prisoners.

Release date: 10 September 1994
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman

The Film:
The Shawshank Redemption centres on one man - Andy Dufresne. He is convicted of the murder of his lover and wife and despite the circumstances the film focuses on themes of hope and redemption. This 1994 movie was written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on the Stephen King novella 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis 'Red' Redding.

Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark Soundtrack-The Raiders March

charlotte — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:57:00 GMT

Composer: John Williams's rousing and iconic Raiders March has come to symbolise Indiana Jones. The soundtrack received an Oscar nomination for best original score, but lost out to Vangelis' electro-synth based score for Chariots Of Fire.

Released: 1981
Directed by: Stephen Spielberg
Cast: Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliot, Alfred Molina, Anthony Higgins

The Film: You're in for thrills as Indiana Jones confronts snakes, *** and one astonishing cliffhanger after another-all topped off by awesome sequences involving the discovery and opening of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. It's possibly one of the greatest adventures of all time.

Jurassic Park Soundtrack Tracks 1, 2, 3

charlotte — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:40:00 GMT

The score: Written in the same year as 'Schindler's List', which was a major award-winner in 1993 John Williams' score for Jurassic Park may have been somewhat overshadowed by the latter score however this 'fun' dinosaur movie enabled him to use an array of compositional techniques which he employed in many of his nineties' film scores.

Release date: 11 June, 1993
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Samuel L Jackson

The film: Chaos breaks out on the island of Isla Nublar when an InGen employee is killed releasing a Velociraptor into a penhold. Specialists are called in to investigate the safety of the island and CEO John Hammond invites Drs. Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler, as well as chaos theorist Dr. Ian Malcolm and his investors' attorney Donald Gennaro to visit his park on the island. However disaster unfolds when a Tyrannosaurus breaks through the electric fence.

Saving Private Ryan - Music Video

charlotte — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:08:00 GMT

The score: John Williams' score is considered to be low-key except for this end title, Hymn to the Fallen, which beautifully emotes the feelings of fighting for your country: reverence, sorrow and pride.

Released: 1998
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns

The film: After learning that Private Ryan's three brothers have all died in the war, the government attempts to locate him to send him home. The problem is they don't know if he is dead or alive behind enemy lines. Bizarrely, most of the film was shot on location in Hertfordshire with Tony Blair's son acting as a runner!

Out of Africa

charlotte — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:48:00 GMT

The Composer: John Barry is the genius composer behind what is probably the most recognisable film score ever, the James Bond theme. He then went onto become one of the most celebrated film composers of modern times, winning five Academy Awards and four Grammys for such memorable scores as Midnight Cowboy, Dances With Wolves as well as for Out Of Africa.

Released: 1985
Director: Sydney Pollack
Cast: Meryl Streep, Robert Redford

The Film: Winner of seven Academy Awards, the story tells of a rich, bored Danish woman who finds love with a free-spirited handsome hunter in turbulent East Africa. Filmed entirely in Kenya and Based on a book by Isaac Dinesen and Karen Blixen.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Soundtrack - Potter Waltz

charlotte — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Composer: Patrick Doyle - His brilliant score captures the wonder and adventure of J. K. Rowling's continues the series of films derived from the books about the young wizard, transporting the listener straight into that amazing fantasy world yet again. Themes by John Williams.

Released: November 18, 2005
Directed by: Mike Newell
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

The Film: This is the fourth, fantasy adventure film in the popular Harry Potter films series. It is Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry which has been selected to host the Triwizard Tournament wizard competition, of which Harry is a competitor.

Gone With The Wind (Tara's Theme) 1939 Soundtrack

charlotte — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:45:00 GMT

Composer: Max Steiner is one of the founders of film music as we know it today and his name is now attached to the annual 'Max Steiner Award' for film music which recognises his pioneering role in the early development of the craft. Max Steiner was drafted in to provide the music to Gone With the Wind and his sweeping, enervating score has really stood the test of time, still able to send shivers down spines and give geese their pimples.

The Film: Much like the search for the boy to play Harry Potter in 2001- the offices of David O.Selznick began the search for Gone with the Wind’s leading lady 1938. The US became temporarily in the grip of Scarlett fever, an epidemic that ended only with the casting of Vivien Leigh as the manipulative southern belle who carries on a turbulent love affair with roguish Rhett Butler during the American Civil War.

Tan Dun - Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

charlotte — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:02:00 GMT

The Composer: Tan Dun - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon not only won the Best Foreign Language Oscar but also gave Tan Dun an Academy Award for his brilliant soundtrack. The chinese born composer is also known for his score for the more recent Chinese hit film, Hero.

Released: 2000
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh

The Film: Li is a great warrior, famous throughout QING China for his adventurous life. He decides to give his powerful, ancient sword as a gift to an old friend, but soon the sword is stolen by a mysterious master of the martial arts. Now, it's up to Li to uncover the thief and return the sword to its rightful owner.

Dangerous Moonlight / Warsaw Concerto

charlotte — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT

The Composer: The RKO studios had nearly finished the shooting of Dangerous Moonlight when they approached Rachmaninov himself for permission to use his Piano Concerto No.2. When the scowling 6 ft Russian refused, they hastily approached British composer Richard Addinsell to stump up something in the master’s style. Cue the British composer's famous Warsaw Concerto. The score is heard in snatches before being played almost in full at a concert near the end of the film and became a big hit at the time. Addinsell also composed the start up fanfare for the old TV company, Associated Rediffusion.

Released: 1941
Directed by: Brian Desmond Hirst
Cast: Anton Walbrook, Sally Gray, Cecil Parker

The film: During the Nazi invasion of Poland, an American reporter meets a Polish airman and piano virtuoso. When he finally escapes to New York they meet again and marry but the thought of his going back to fight is not only personally terrifying to his new wife but seems a great waste of his musical talent.

The Big Country - composer Jerome Moross

charlotte — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:38:00 GMT

Composer: Jerome Moross was a composer and orchestrator working around the first half of the twentieth century and The Big Country is the score for which he is best known and rightfully so, given the way that it effortlessly portrays in music the mental image conveyed by the title. According to Moross, he composed the theme after walking in the flat lands around Alburqueque and went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Music Score.

The Film: A powerful tale, in which a sea captain travels west to marry a young woman, but instead finds himself in the middle of a bitter land dispute. Burl Ives' portrayal of the head of a violent family clan won him an Academy Award.

Released:1958
Directed by:William Wyler
Cast: Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Jean Simmons, Burl Ives

Finding Neverland - Piano Variation in Blue

charlotte — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:47:00 GMT

The Score: Jan A.P Kaczmarek began his music career at the underground Osmego Dnia Theatre. He then went on to compose for and tour with his own orchestra, The Orchestra of the Eighth Day and recorded his debut album 'Music for the End'. Educated as a lawyer, Jan A.P Kaczmarek chose to abandon his career plans as a diplomat and begin composing music.

The Film: Based on the events that inspired J.M Barrie to write Peter Pan, this moving tale follows Barrie as he befriends a fatherless family after a chance encounter with the youngest boy in thier local park.

Released: 2004
Director: Marc Forster
Cast: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Freddie Highmore

The English Patient Soundtrack - Ending Theme

charlotte — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:46:00 GMT

Lebanese composer Gabriel Yared's score is brim full with wistful romantic love melodies which seem to have a life of their own, spanning time across the film's flashbacks. Against the musical accompaniment, some of these scenes have a serene beauty oblivious to the war being waged elsewhere.

Set during the Second World War, this epic romance tells the story of a mysterious Englishman found badly burned in the Sahara. His nurse transports him across Europe taking him to a deserted Monastery in Italy where he begins to recollect his past and his relationship with a married woman with whom he had fallen in love.

Released: 1996
Directed by: Anthony Minghella
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, Willem Defoe, Juliette Binoche

Dr. Zhivago-Lara's Theme - Maurice Jarre

charlotte — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Composer: Maurice Jarre's moving and sweeping score largely lets the movie speak for itself but the memorable love theme, Lara's Theme, is a constant reference point throughout and netted it's composer an Academy Award.

The Film: David Lean's screen version of Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago was a sumptuous, sprawling, epic about the life of a Russian doctor-poet who, although married, falls for a political activist's wife and struggles against all the odds to survive the battles of war. It won numerous Academy Awards for it's breakthtaking Cinematopgraphy and Design, but it was the on screen chemistry between the two leading actors Omar Sharif and Julie Chrisitie that made this film a classic.

Dances With The Wolves - The John Dunbar Theme

charlotte — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:06:00 GMT

Composer: John Barry's expansive score is considered to be one of his best as it depicts so well the majestic prairies featured in the film and deservedly won the best original score oscar in 1990.

Released: 1990
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Cast: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene

The Film: During the U.S. Civil War an army officer is assigned to the Western frontier where he meets and develops a fascinating relationship with the local Sioux Indians. Winner of seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

Batman 1989 Theme by Danny Elfman

charlotte — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:17:00 GMT

The Composer: Danny Elfman has composed scores for all but one of Tim Burton's films including the 2005 box office hit, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His musical signature in these films helps create the fantasy and gothic style so typical of Burton's films, using instrumentation such as the pipe organ and boys chorus. But he's probably best known for thay little theme tune to a quite well known cartoon, The Simpsons!

Released: 1989
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Jack Nicholson

The Film: Based on the Frank Miller Batman comics of the era, which were renowned for their dark and sinister tone, the film directed by Tim Burton made an about turn to the dark roots of the true Batman character and a move away from the campy 1960s TV versions. Starring Jack Nicholson as The Joker and Michael Keaton as Batman.