Whether it’s twisting operatic capers, soaring jazz vocals or cinematic family excitement, the RNCM offers something for everyone with its unmissable festive programme this December.
Kicking off the Christmas schedule in signature show-stopping style, the RNCM Opera invites audiences into the mysterious, eccentric realms of Chabrier’s outré opera, L’étoile on Sun 8 Dec.
Sizzling with wit and brimming with fantasy, Chabrier’s timeless satirical masterwork gallops from one act to the next in a riotous parade of humorous mishaps, mistaken identities and comical disguises, as King Ouf I, intent on celebrating another birthday with a traditional public execution, meets his match in the dissenting peddler, Lazuli.
L’étoile promises a delightfully entertaining journey through a kingdom full of whimsy in an unforgettable night of comedy and musical majesty.
For a taste of what to expect, click HERE to watch talented RNCM students attempt to summarise L’etoile’s famously labyrinthine story in under sixty seconds.
On Fri 13 Dec, legendary soul singer Madeline Bell joins the RNCM Big Band for a joyous night of show-stopping melodies and vibrant, infectious rhythms, featuring an assortment of timeless ensemble works, beloved jazz classics and brand new compositions.
Having first arrived in Europe in 1962, the world-renowned vocalist has earned acclaim across a sparkling solo career spanning six decades, during which she has performed as a session singer for the likes of Dusty Springfield, Joe Cocker and The Rolling Stones.
On this occasion, the Big Band will showcase a pair of brand new arrangements from two RNCM composition students, alongside jazz favourites and lesser-known works, while Madeline is set to bring the house down with a selection of jazz standards, original pieces and R&B classics including Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean A Thing, Etta James’ Stormy Weather and Ray Charles’ Hallelujah.
Returning with another annual instalment on Sun 15 Dec, the RNCM’s ever-popular Christmas Family Day invites music-lovers of all ages to enjoy a magical day of creative activities, face painting, absorbing interactive workshops and a host of musical treats, before a screening of Magic Light Pictures’ delightful animated adventure, Stick Man, with a breathtaking live orchestral accompaniment throughout.
Tickets are available for the morning session (10am-1pm) or the afternoon (2.15pm-5.15pm). Book yours below.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Sun 29 Nov 2020
Promising to transcend the ordinary through musical ingenuity and breathtaking dance, the pioneering ArkEnsemble join forces with the world-renowned Company Chameleon to produce a blistering fusion of fluid, visceral dance theatre and vivid, sweeping soundscapes.
Exploring the boundless connection between music and dance, the instrumentalists and performers transform the stage into a living canvas of artistic expression, where each note and movement tells its own enchanting story.