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The Darley Park Concert

Saturday 30th June 2012 - concert starts 8.00pm, pre-concert entertainment from 7.20pm
Darley Park, Derby

Mary Carewe, vocalist - credit Maurice Foxall

To commemorate the Olympic torch arriving in Derby on Friday 29th June, the Darley Park Concert moves forward this year from its usual early September slot to the evening of Saturday 30th June - and with a later than usual 8pm start so that the traditional firework finale has a suitable backdrop!

For this year's programme of music and fun, which is introduced by Classic FM's John Suchet, genial conductor James Holmes and Sinfonia Viva are delighted to welcome back the sensational and internationally-lauded vocalist Mary Carewe.

Mary Carewe's versatility ranges from musical theatre showstoppers and cabaret songs to contemporary music. She has appeared with orchestras in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, the United States, Australia and Scandinavia, and has performed under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, Kurt Masur, John Rutter, Charles Hazlewood, Gareth Hudson and Nick Davies. Her now long-established artistic relationship with Carl Davis has led her to sing both 'James Bond' and 'Oscar Winners' programmes worldwide; including her Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Pops.

Tonight's concert programme is all about celebrating - the theme takes in weddings, anniversaries, holidays, vocational and sporting successes - with terrifically toe-tapping pieces to get everyone in the mood.

Orchestrally, the first half includes Walton's stirring Crown Imperial used at several coronations including that of Queen Elizabeth II, Mendelssohn's ever-popular choice of brides (and grooms!) the Wedding March, Wagner's energetic dance theme from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg), Grieg's much-loved, lyrical Wedding Day at Troldhaugen plus David Rose's Holiday for Strings made famous by string maestro Mantovani and the infectiously bouncy rhythms of Gershwin's Strike up the Band Overture.

After the interval and the sprightly Polonaise from Tchaikovsky's tale of love and loss, Eugene Onegin, we set the scene for a section on athletic endeavour with Vangelis' dramatic and unforgettable title theme from the hit movie Chariots of Fire, a celebratory fizzy Champagne Polka by Johann Strauss 2nd, leading to the ultimate modern song of victory, Queen's We Are The Champions and a suitably upbeat conclusion for the firework finale - Polovtsian Dances by Borodin.

An essential part of Darley Park is singing and there will be a selection of great vocal items too performed by Mary Carewe, including The Wedding, I Get a Kick Out of You, Je Ne Regrette Rien, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, The Best of Times, Nobody Does It Better and New York, New York. Plus Mary will also lead the massed 'choir' in the traditional community singing opportunity!

A superb setting, fabulous music and a fun atmosphere... it's shaping up to be a wonderful evening in the company of the region's only professional orchestra, Sinfonia Viva.

Admission FREE. Please observe parking restrictions. Car Parking £5 at St. Benedict's School on Duffield Road and at Derby Rugby Club. In the interests of safety, please do not bring barbecues, sparklers, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, animals or gazebos to the park. Do bring a torch. Please help to keep the park tidy by disposing of your rubbish carefully. Further and updated details from Derby Tourist Information Centre 01332 255802 Minicom 01332 256666.

Programme and timings subject to change.

Supported by Rolls-Royce plc, Derby City Council, Derby LIVE, Classic FM and Sinfonia Viva. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.