Magic of Vienna conjours up a sparkling start to the New Year
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra are set to captivate audiences with their New Year in Vienna concert at Ayr Town Hall.
The performance, on Tuesday, January 3, is proving popular with music fans as tickets continue to sell fast.
At the helm is one of Ayr’s favourite conductors, Nicholas McGegan, and the concert will feature the sparkling soprano Elizabeth Watts, ensuring the night will kick off 2017 in style.
Elizabeth Watts will sing the Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus as well as Stolz’ You shall be the Emperor of my soul and Lehar My Lips’ Fiery Kiss, while the orchestra will bring waltzes and polkas from Vienna.
Michael Hitchon, of Ayr Arts Guild, said: “There is nothing quite like the atmosphere in the concert hall on New Year’s Day: anticipation, celebration of a new start, sharing time with family and friends, and of course the captivating orchestra with soprano Elizabeth Watts adding a touch of sparkle to the evening.
“With twirling cellos, party poppers, waltzes and polkas, expect a skip in your step as you leave the concert hall feeling upbeat.”
Hailed as “one of the most beautiful voices Britain has produced in a generation”, Elizabeth Watts is an in- demand singer who has performed at the UK’s leading venues as well as touring internationally.
She has performed at the Last Night of the Proms in 2014, joined the London Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra for numerous performances as well as appearing with Royal Opera and Welsh National Opera.
Conductor Nicholas McGegan - described as “one of the finest baroque conductors of his generation” by The Independent - has spent 30 years as music director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra.
In 2016 and 2017 his appearances include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, his 20th anniversary at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, as well as performances in Pasadena, Baltimore, St Louis and Toronto.
The performance will include works by Waldteufel, J Strauss, E Strauss and Stolz.
For tickets, call the Gaiety box office on 01292 288235. Tickets cost £ 24 for circle, £ 20 for stalls, students £ 5 and children £ 3.
There will also be a collection in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Research.