Cheltenham Music Festival launches new Festival Proms Series

Cheltenham Music Festival is launching its first ever Town Hall Festival Proms as part of celebrations marking the 70th Festival in July 2014. The Proms will feature performances from some of the world’s most popular classical music stars, including violinist Nicola Benedetti, guitarist Milos Karadaglic and the John Wilson Orchestra.

Musical highlights will include Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and a Frank Sinatra celebration.

For one of the performances on Saturday July 5, all the seats at the front of the venue will be taken out and replaced with artificial grass and picnic rugs for an ‘outdoors-indoors’ feel.

Tickets for the Town Hall Festival Proms go on sale to members on Wednesday, December 4 and to the general public on Monday, December 9.

Festival Director Meurig Bowen said: “The ‘proms’ word has moved far from its ‘promenade’ origins, and now means for most people a classical music experience that is more relaxed, more festive.

“The emphasis in our 2014 Festival Proms will be on entertainment, enjoyment and accessibility, and we’re sure they will have widespread appeal. We hope that people take this opportunity to experience the Music Festival and join us in our celebrations.”

As The Proms series is being released before the rest of the programme, Cheltenham Festivals are waiving the booking fee for these concerts.

People who spend more than £100 on tickets at this time will also be given a £10 voucher to spend on the Music Festival when the full programme is released in early Spring 2014.

There is also a concession for people under 30 – a limited number of tickets available at only £5.

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The Proms Series includes:

Wednesday July 2: The Opening Night Prom

Beethoven, Benedetti and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

2014 Violinist Nicola Benedetti and her trio perform Beethoven’s acclaimed Triple Concerto. This piece is flanked by the two pieces that opened and closed the first ever Cheltenham Music Festival concert on June 12, 1945; Beethoven’s Leonora Overture No 3 and Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Thursday July 3: An Evening with Nicola Benedetti

In September 2013, Nicola Benedetti performed a sell-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall with some handpicked musical guests. This concert will reunite them for this highly-charged but intimate experience.

Friday July 4: Celebrating Sinatra with The John Wilson Orchestra

With their popular televised appearances from the BBC Proms, the John Wilson Orchestra is one of the biggest musical acts of recent years. With guest singer Matthew Ford, they’ll present an evening of hits made famous by ‘Old Blue Eyes’ himself.

Saturday July 5: Pick Your Own Prom with Milos on guitar

In this concert, the audience can vote for their favourite pieces to be played by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Classical pin-up and Festival favourite Milos will play Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez.

Sunday July 6: The Family Prom with Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo tells the story of his moving WW1 tale Private Peaceful with live music.

Sunday July 6: The Centenary Prom

A musical snapshot of the sounds of 1914, including music by Elgar and Holst, as well as popular ballads and soldiers’ marching songs. This concert will be performed by local artists, including the Cheltenham Bach Choir and the Flowers Brass Band.

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To book tickets, visit: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music