THE VALE will once again come alive to the sound of music as the popular Evesham Festival of Music kicks off.
Music lovers from across the county are being invited to hit all the right notes at the fifth festival which showcases local talent as well other gifted musicians.
Favourites like Schools Together, the local Avonbank Band and the ever popular Gala Evening and Last Night of the Proms will be joined this year by the ‘Back to Broadway’ show and an appearance from King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys.
The undoubted highlight though is sure to be the Evesham Young Musician of the Year contest while the popular fringe events tomorrow (Saturday) and next Saturday (June 27) will see local talent performing at well-known local venues.
To celebrate the opening night of the festival, Back To Broadway are back for a fourth year, with a stunning new show featuring songs from the world’s greatest musicals.
This spell-binding and captivating stage spectacular will enthral you with the unforgettable ‘One Day More’ from Les Mise?rables, the glitz and glamour of Copacabana, the uplifting ‘Time Of My Life’ from Dirty Dancing and the fantastic ‘Defying Gravity’ from Wicked.
The ever-popular Avonbank Brass Band perform a variety of music guaranteed to entertain and delight you.
With a programme including popular pieces from all genres, they are joined in this special performance for Evesham Festival of Music by Kids Aloud Children’s Choir.
Kids Aloud is a highly acclaimed children’s choir conducted by Jenny Newbury.
With approximately 30 singers, Kids Aloud aims to enable young people to enjoy singing, increase their own confidence and gain valuable musical experience through performing.
This bi-annual Young Musician of the Year competition has two sections: Junior and Senior. Contestants from the Preliminary Rounds in May will be reduced to five finalists from the Junior Section and five finalists from the Senior Section.
Each of the finalists will have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of an audience and six adjudicators at this showcase event.
This year’s Gala Concert will see the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Michael Lloyd with Alison Roddy (soprano) combine for a concert to include popular works by Strauss, Le?har, Offenbach and Rossini .
Highlights include performances of arias from Puccini’s Il Triticco (including “O Mio Babbino Caro”) and items from Bizet’s Carmen.
In the second half enjoy all the fun of the Last Night of the Proms, joining in with favourites such as “Rule Britannia”, “Land of Hope and Glory” and “Jerusalem”.
Chairman of the Festival Committee, Frances Smith, said: “I am delighted Evesham Town Council and the John Martin Charity have once again kindly agreed to support the festival and wish to thank them and all our sponsors for their continued support.
“Please come along to support the festival – we shall be delighted to welcome you.
“There is no substitute for live music and this year’s festival is a great opportunity to experience it in your own town,” she added.
Visit www.eveshamfestivalofmusic.org.uk for more information.
