It’s a long way to London to see the famous Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, one of the great concert traditions celebrating the pomp and glory of British music.
Now shire residents have to chance to participate closer to home when Sutherland Entertainment Centre presents An afternoon At The Proms” - A Musical Spectacular.
Led by Australia’s acclaimed international violinist Ian Cooper, the program includes opera stars, prima
ballerinas, Australia’s current champion Pipe Band and the Blue Danube Orchestra to evoke the
sheer exuberance of the Proms.
The concert includes all the famous musical highlights of a Proms performance including Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, Radetzky March, Ave Maria and Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory.
There will be selections from The Sound of Music, The Merry Widow, Carmen and the waltzes of Johann Strauss.
Added to the mix are Can-Can and Tango dancers, the music of the Hungarian Gypsy Orchestras, Irish standards and the Pipers’ tribute to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Hosting the concert will be violinist Ian Cooper who was commissioned to compose and perform the "Tin Symphony" for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney.
The event was televised worldwide with an estimated 2.85 billion viewers.
He has appeared in Australia and overseas, both live and on recordings with artists as diverse as James Morrison, George Benson, John Farnham, Marcia Hines, Tommy Emmanuel, Barry White, Andrea Bocelli, Neil Sedaka, and Olivia Newton-John.
Reflecting this varied background, his high-energy performances draw on musical styles from Classical, Gypsy, Jazz, Irish, Tango, Latin, the Blues and even a touch of Cowboy music.
Ian Cooper made his musical debut at the Sydney Opera House at age six. He was awarded a scholarship New South Wales Conservatorium of Music at age eight and performed with the Vienna Boys Choir in their hometown at the age of 12.
After meeting the famed French violinist Stéphane Grappelli Ian swung his attention towards Jazz and as a result of touring and endeavoring to perform with locals wherever he travels, Ian has added Gypsy and Irish music to his exciting repertoire, without forgetting his love of Classical music,
Ian still continues to perform concerts as a soloist with orchestras. Ian has released 10 CDs, the latest being “Just Passing Through” with Australian Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.
His Proms - A Musical Spectacular’ attracted two full houses of approximately 4,000 people in The Sydney Town Hall.
Sydney Morning Herald described the event as “Good musicians playing superb music... a delight. Tango, gypsy and classical strains, all executed with great flair....genuine beauty.”
The Sun-Herald describe Ian Cooper as a “blitzkrieg violinist.”
Now Sutherland Shire audiences are encouraged to come along, bring their flags and join the fun and frivolity of Ian Cooper’s “An afternoon At The Proms” on Sunday, October 22 at 2pm.
Tickets are $59, concession $52, a group of ten or more $50, children five to 18 years $50.
Book online or at the Box Office on 9521 8888.