Brighton Dome, Mon 31 December, 2.45pm
Richard Balcombe makes a welcome return to Brighton as guest conductor for the Brighton Phil’s annual Viennese Gala, joined by the Russian-born soprano Ilona Domnich whose lyric coloratura will add sparkle to our afternoon with a selection of delightful songs and arias from well-known operettas and musicals from the 19th century and beyond. This is always one of our most popular concerts of the season and, now in its 29th year, is firmly established as part of the city’s festivities. We nearly sold out last year so if you would like to join us to see out the old year and welcome in the new, book your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
Originally destined to be a pianist, Ilona was plucked from a masterclass by legendary singing teacher Vera Rósza, and won the prestigious Wingate Scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music. She was chosen by Opera Now Magazine as one of their top ten high flying sopranos destined to have impressive careers, in which a personal highlight has been a masterclass with Montserrat Caballé. Ilona is also an actress and has developed and performed a one woman show based on songs sung by Marlene Dietrich, Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf.
As you would expect this concert will be a programme full of musical gems from the waltz kings of Vienna – the Strauss family – with an array of waltzes, marches and polkas from this talented musical dynasty who dominated the music scene in Vienna throughout the 19th century. Alongside these evergreen favourites Richard Balcombe has also included songs by Ivor Novello and Oscar Straus (no relation), Charmaine (made famous by Mantovani) and the Westminster Waltz by Robert Farnon. The full concert programme is available at: www.brightonphil.org.uk/concerts
We are most grateful to the John Carewe Brighton Orchestra Trust for their continued support of the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and of our annual New Year’s Eve Viennese Gala.
Tickets £12.50-£39.50 (50% student/under18 discount, children just £1) are available from Brighton Dome Ticket Office, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org
Discounted parking for concert-goers is available in the NCP Church Street Car Park – just £6 between 1pm and 6pm. Simply collect a follow-on ticket at the concert.