Buzz Magazine Buzz Magazine - July Issue

upfront WELSH PROMS The culmination of all things classical returns to Wales.Laura Riley looks at the varied programme for the Welsh Proms. E very classical music lover worth their salt knows that a night at Welsh Proms Cardiff is never a letdown – it’s always a highlight of the capital’s music calendar. The weeklong festival returns to St David’s Hall from Sat 19 to Sat 26 July and is as jam-packed as ever. On Sat 19 July conductor Michael Bell and Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra will be treating you to a programme featuring excerpts from Orpheus In The Underworld, Romeo & Juliet and West Side Story during the All Dancing Family Prom. Over the Rainbow starlet Sophie Evans will be narrating the show. Also on Sat 19, the Classical Extravaganza Prom will have The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra showcasing an extravagant display of all-time classics under the baton of Owain Arwel Hughes. Throughout the week Richard Berry, Helen Woods and the Tiddly Prom Band will keep your little ones entertained at their magical silly song filled allotment. You won’t find a better way of introducing your youngsters to the magic of live music. You can chill out on Sunday with the Festival of Folk, where there will be a full-on celebration of arts, crafts and music alongside workshops, masterclasses, and interactive sessions with a handful of live bands. Folk-rock duo Zervas & Pepper have been earning new fans in high places over the last year and will be performing on Mon 21, appropriately supported by Lisbee Stainton – dubbed the “English rose with the eightstring guitar”. Returning to the Welsh Proms on Tuesday night is the Organ Prom, Prom subtitled Four Hands, Four Feet – The Sequel. Organists Robert Court and Jeffrey Howard make a comeback with their second surprise-filled organ, electronic organ, piano and iPad show. Later on that same day will be Clare Teal (one of the UK’s finest jazz vocalists and BBC Radio 2’s Big Band Special host) and Cardiff’s own Capital City Jazz Orchestra. BUZZ 16 Things get a bit more lovey on Wed with the Romantic Prom. If you looking to score some brownie points from your significant other then look no further than an evening of high octane Russian and Czech romantic music, brought to you by the BBC National Orchestra. Nothing says romance like a little Slavic intensity, am I right? Thursday goes international with the World Music Prom. Sick of the same old chatter at the office? Well check out Saharan blues band Tinariwen, who offer hypnotic rock from north-west Africa. Things remain on a global level as the weekend starts, Friday bringing with it the Russian Prom. Conductor Owain Arwel Hughes is at the helm of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra once again, to take you through a journey of Russia. Expect an evening of soaring melodies, flaming colours and barbaric splendour and drama. If you’re tired of the constant sunshine and light (well, if we’re lucky this July) this sexy bit of darkness will add a sophisticated edge to your summer. All good things must come to an end – and the Welsh Proms certainly go out with a bang with the Last Night Of The Welsh Proms. This is a non-stop musical feast and everyone is invited to pack their party hats and streamers. You won’t be able to stop yourself from joining in with the singing. If none of the events above excite you (doubtful!) there are a great bunch of Fringe events to tempt you instead. There’s everything from Bavarian Stompers, Symphonic Brass Ensembles, Tea Pad Orchestras and Clarinet Choirs on offer – even the descriptors sound exciting! Plus, some of these eclectic events are completely free, so you can treat yourself to an ice cream on the way. Welsh Proms, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 19-Sat 26 July. Tickets: £5-£29.50. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff. co.uk

Buzz Magazine Buzz Magazine - July Issue | Page 16