Perth Festival of the Arts by Horsecross Arts

P E RT H F E S T I VA L OF

THE

ARTS

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Principal Sponsors

Major Sponsors

Trusts D.C. Thomson Charitable Trust

With the principal support of

Sponsors alexcairncross.co.uk Anderson Beaton Lamond Solicitors

JIMMIE CAIRNCROSS CHARITABLE TRUST

The Duncan and The Melville Gray

Cairncross of Perth

Charitable Trust

The Cameron Group

T HE C ROSS T RUST Forteviot Charitable Trust

Condies, Solicitors and Estate Agents Danscot Print Ltd.

Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust

Arranged under the auspices of

Hope Scott Trust

Craig L. Dennis (Chairman), Isobel Butt, Anne Coutts, Hugh Goring, Stuart Hutton, Peter Rutterford, J. Graham Sharp, Alexis S. L. Sinclair, Councillor Heather Stewart, Councillor Jack Coburn, Treasurer - John R. Hendry, Company Secretary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iain Lamond, Administrator - Sandra M. Ralston.

David Lindsay Self Storage Hardies Property & Construction Consultants

Perth Festival of the Arts 3-5 High Street, PERTH, PH1 5JS

Johnston Carmichael

www.perthfestival.co.uk

The Leche Trust

McCash & Hunter Solicitors and Estate Agents

The Souter Charitable Trust

Morris & Young

subsidised by

Perth City Centre Management T HE G UILDRY I NCORPORATION OF P ERTH

Tay Charitable Trust The Thomson Charitable Trust

Sponsored by HSBC

19.30 Friday 21st May Perth Theatre

The HSBC Perth Festival Opera

The Marriage of Figaro By W A Mozart This is an elegant, period costume production (faithful to the original) of one of the world’s most popular operas, containing some of Mozart’s most beautiful and familiar music. Based on Beaumarchais’ controversial play, Mozart’s opera, sung in English, traces the intrigues of one day at the house of Count Almaviva. Figaro (Robert Davies) is to marry Susanna (here played by Paula Sides), but he must overcome every obstacle put in his way by the Count and his cronies before he can be united finally with his bride. James Conway’s production, set in steamy Seville, showcases exciting young singers, including Nicholas Lester and Laura Mitchell as the Count and Countess. Sponsored by

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Once again the Festival is delighted to welcome English Touring Opera. The company will present three operas in this special Perth 800 year.

ENGLISH TOURING

St John’s Kirk of Perth Schools Concert by the pupils of Kilgraston School

20.00 Friday 21st May

Perth Concert Hall

Off The Kerb Productions in association with Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd presents

Rich Hall Star of the recent critically-acclaimed BBC4 documentary, How the West Was Lost, Edinburgh fringe favourite and Perrier Award winner Rich Hall is back on the road. Rich will be performing in his usual style as the grouchy, deadpan comic genius. Looking like a Pearl Jam roadie, Rich is a master of absurdist irony – he particularly likes to lay into Americans and life across the Pond at every opportunity. As Rich Hall the stand-up, he has visited the Edinburgh Fringe Festival several times and performed at the major comedy clubs in Britain and across the world. He is well known in the United States for appearing and writing on The David Letterman Show - for which he won an Emmy Award.

Now is the time to grab this chance to see the great man at work – The Guardian As close as it gets to a guaranteed good show – Scotland on Sunday Contains strong language

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Rich Hall has been charming sell-out audiences each year at the Edinburgh Festival, on tours throughout the UK, at several festivals in Australia including Adelaide and Melbourne and at London's famous Comedy Store. At the 2000 Edinburgh Festival, Rich Hall as Otis Lee Crenshaw won the highly prestigious Perrier Award. Rich Hall’s TV work includes: Rich Hall’s Cattle Drive (BBC4), Rich Hall’s Fishing Show (BBC4) plus numerous appearances on BBC2 panel show QI, hosted by Stephen Fry. Rich Hall has also written two books: Otis Lee Crenshaw: I Blame Society and Things Snowball, both published my Abacus Books.

11.00 Saturday 22nd May Perth Museum and Art Gallery

Opening of Festival Exhibition ARTIST ROOMS Andy Warhol Early Works and exhibition by Stella Steyn. See page 30 for details

19.30 Saturday 22nd May Perth Theatre

The HSBC Perth Festival Opera English Touring Opera

By Benjamin Britten

www.perthfestival.co.uk

ETO’s hugely successful 2004 production of the Britten/Shakespeare masterpiece returns. In a fairy-haunted wood, lovers’ knots are tangled, and strange dreams create monstrous romances. Only in a hilarious play performed by working men are all the opera’s tensions and enchantments eased. Visually spectacular, Joanna Parker’s design, complete with Jacobean costumes, and James Conway’s production celebrate the best of English music and theatre. Michael Rosewell conducts Britten’s eerie, highly-theatrical score, and Jonathan Peter Kenny, Andrew Slater and David Gooderson reprise the roles of Oberon, Bottom and Puck. Hike miles to see this… ETO’s staging of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is wonderful beyond words. A corker of a show from a tip-top team - The Independent ***** Sponsored by

Festival Fling with

Skerryvore

20.00 Saturday 22nd May Perth Concert Hall Blazing bagpipes, fiddle and accordions, electrically fused with funky rhythms and soul-gripping songs - Skerryvore are an award winning Scottish band creating a ‘Trad-rock’ fusion for the 21st Century. Skerryvore formed in 2004 on the Isle of Tiree in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. From traditional roots the band has developed both in size and sound to create a unique fusion of their traditional music and songs with the urban sounds of rock and funk. With their outstanding musicianship and the mesmerising voice of singer Alec Dalglish, Skerryvore have gripped audiences across the world from Chicago to Beijing and have been the highlight of many big festivals, home and abroad, including MagiaCeltica in Italy, Celtic Connections in Scotland, Celtic Crackers in the Netherlands – even a blistering performance at Scotland’s Premier rock festival ‘T in the Park’ in July 2009.

The band had the honour of co-writing and performing the song Hold Your Breat for the BBC Alba television series entitled A'Gharaids. The first live performance of the song was played to a sell-out crowd at Celtic Connections in January 2009. Skerryvore continue to generate a big following of fans of all ages worldwide. This has seen them achieve album sales of over 10 000 whilst also being awarded album of the month on the BBC Radio Scotland’s Celtic Connections International Broadcast. 2010 will also see debut performances for the band in Oman, Bahrain and Spain as well as return trips to Holland, Denmark and the USA. Six of the best musical ambassadors Scotland could have ever wished for… a living, breathing, 12-legged party waiting to happen. The Falkirk Herald

11.00 Sunday 23rd May St John’s Kirk of Perth Festival Service with Perth Youth Orchestra conducted by Allan Young

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream

15.00 Sunday 23rd May Perth Civic Trust Guided Walk

19.30 Sunday 23rd May

The Fergusson Gallery to the A.K. Bell Library Meet outside the Fergusson Gallery See page ? for more information

Guy Masterson and Theatre Tours International present

19.30 Sunday 23rd May Perth Concert Hall

The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra With Igor Tchetuev (piano) Conducted by Pavel Kogan Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Scheherazade

www.perthfestival.co.uk

Our orchestral programme opens with a visit from the distinguished Moscow State Symphony Orchestra under their music director, Pavel Kogan. He will be joined on the platform by Igor Tchetuev, the young Russian pianist who is forging a major career in Europe with a ravishing performance of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The programme includes Rimsky Korsakov’s much-loved Scheherazade, with its exotic and highly-coloured evocation of the Tales of the Arabian Nights with its mesmerising picture of the hero Sinbad, a tempestuous storm at sea and the lovely figure of Scheherazade herself.

Animal Farm by George Orwell Adapted by Guy Masterson Gary Shelford's magnificent solo performance of Orwell's classic satire has to be seen to be believed. Using nothing but a wooden box, some amazing sound effects and brilliant physical and vocal dexterity, Shelford ignites this famous yarn by bringing a sinister modern relevance to Orwell's masterwork leaving an indelible imprint in the consciousness. Hilariously comic and powerfully poignant by turns, Shelford's breathtaking storytelling creates the farmyard around you in 110 minutes of utterly compelling theatre. This is a must see performance for all ages. If you've never seen or read Animal Farm,, this is the show for you, and if you have, then see this... you won't believe it! ANIMAL MAGIC! ... This famous tale is ignited, bringing both humour and a sinister aspect to the rhetoric of the upwardly mobile pigs. The Herald

11.00 Tuesday 25th May

St John’s Kirk of Perth Schools Concert by the pupils of Perth Academy Sponsored by HSBC

Perth Concert Hall Coffee Concert

19.30 Monday 24th May Perth Theatre

Mr McFall’s Chamber with Michael Marra

Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama String Ensemble With Ilya Gringolts, International Fellow in Violin Enescu Mendelssohn

Mr McFall’s Chamber and Michael Marra bring a mixed programme which includes not only a dozen or so of Marra’s songs, but also some instrumental numbers - accordion music from Finland, 19th century salon music from Cuba, folk-influenced classical music from the Czech Republic and tango music from Argentina. Instrumentation switches between musical saw, accordion, harmonium, keyboard, guitar, mandolin, bass guitar, double bass and string quartet. Composers included in the programme are Argentine tango virtuoso Astor Piazzolla, Finnish folk musician Timo Alakotila, Antonin Dvorak and 19th century Cuban violinist José White. Vocals/keyboard/guitar – Michael Marra; accordion/harmonium – Phil Alexander; violin – Claire Sterling; violin/mandolin – Robert McFall; viola – Brian Schiele; cello/musical saw – Su-a Lee and double bass/bass guitar – Rick Standley.

Octet in C, Op.7 Octet in E flat, Op.20

Top string players for the RSAMD are led by world renowned soloist, and RSAMD International Fellow Ilya Gringolts in a programme of contrasting octets. Firstly, an early work by the twentieth century Franco-Romanian composer Georges Enescu, followed by possibly the finest example of the string octet genre by Felix Mendelssohn. The RSAMD is based in Glasgow, Scotland, one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Europe. It stages over 300 performances every year involving students, staff and visiting artists making the Academy one of the busiest arts venues in the United Kingdom. www.rsamd.ac.uk Coffee will be served from 10.30am and is included in the price of the ticket

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Borodin Rachmaninov Rimsky Korsakov

Perth Theatre

12.30 Monday 24th May

12.30 Tuesday 25th May

19.30 Tuesday 25th May

St John’s Kirk of Perth Schools Concert by the pupils of The Community School of Auchterarder Sponsored by HSBC

Perth Concert Hall

19.30 Tuesday 25th May Perth Theatre

In association with Clive Conway

An Audience with

www.perthfestival.co.uk

They say all political careers end in tears – in Gyles Brandreth’s case its tears of laughter as the writer, broadcaster, former MP and government whip takes us on an hilarious no-holds-barred roller-coaster ride around the corridors of power – from Westminster to the West End. With a cast-list that runs from Gordon Brown to The Queen – via Oscar Wilde, Sir John Gielgud and Fozzie Bear – this is a wonderfully witty and revealing entertainment from an award-winning raconteur with unique tales to tell from his unlikely life in the theatre, television, journalism and politics. Remembered for the colourful jumpers he wore on TV in the 1980s, his recent TV appearances include Have I Got News for You, QI, Room 101, Countdown and Celebrity Mastermind. In 2003 he was the subject of This Is Your Life. Currently he is a reporter with BBC1’s The One Show and a regular on Radio 4’s Just a Minute. Gyles Brandreth is brilliant . . . incredibly funny, wildly indiscreet. Daily Mail Not merely, like all the best after-dinner speakers, does he know how to spin a yarn he has a touching access to the secrets of the human heart. The Times

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of all-singing, all-strumming ukulele players. Using instruments bought with loose change, it believes that all genres of music are available for reinterpretation, as long as they are played on the ukulele. A concert by the Ukulele Orchestra is a funny, virtuosic, twanging, awesome, foot-stomping obituary of rock-n-roll and melodious light entertainment featuring only the bonsai guitar and a menagerie of voices in a collision of post-punk performance and toe-tapping oldies. There are no drums, pianos, backing tracks or banjos, no pitch shifters or electronic trickery. Only an astonishing revelation of the rich palette of orchestration afforded by ukuleles and singing (and a bit of whistling). Audiences have a good time with the Ukulele Orchestra. Going from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana via Otis Redding and Spaghetti Western soundtracks, the Orchestra takes us on “a world tour with only hand luggage” and gives the listener “One Plucking Thing After Another.” You may never think about music in the same way once you’ve been exposed to the Ukes’ depraved musicology. Sponsored by

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Gyles Brandreth

13.45 Wednesday 26th May Perth Theatre

12.30 Wednesday 26th May

Martha

St John’s Kirk of Perth Schools Concert by the pupils of Perth High School Sponsored by HSBC

By The Catherine Wheels Theatre Company Created by Andy Manley, Gill Robertson and Annie Wood

www.perthfestival.co.uk

Martha is all about friendship and trust. It’s all about Martha, a rather eccentric and highly independent woman who lives on her own in an odd house on the beach of an Island off the west coast of Scotland. Martha doesn’t want any friends. One day a mischievous goose is separated from his family and turns up on Martha’s beach. Despite Martha’s efforts to get the goose to leave, he doesn’t and the unlikely pair end up spending a great day together. Goose has to return to his family, but Martha is left with her memories and the realisation that she might like a friend or two after all. The show is very warm, funny and very touching. It’s one of those rare productions that the whole audience enjoys, no matter what age. Martha is suitable for children aged 4 and above, but years of experience have proved that adults love it too. Catherine Wheels is an award-winning Scottish theatre company, and producers of critically-acclaimed shows. Martha toured Scotland and North America, appearing on Broadway, and most recently won Best Production at the Shanghai International Children’s Festival in 2008. Borrow a child if you don’t already have one and the delight will come at seeing the world through their eyes. The List This show is suitable for Primary School Groups but is also open to members of the public. It lasts 50 minutes.

19.30 Wednesday 26th May Perth Theatre

Antique Antics with Eric Knowles Come along to a mini Antiques Roadshow and meet the affable and knowledgeable Eric Knowles. You will have the great pleasure of meeting Eric one-to-one before the show, then you can sit back and enjoy tales of his fascinating life (with and without antiques) before finally being thrilled by his expertise as he casts light on selected antiques brought by members of the audience. You could witness an unforgettable moment with the excitement of a priceless discovery being made that very day! Eric will enjoy meeting you as much as we know you will enjoy meeting him. What could possibly be better than being in the company of Eric Knowles? Bring your objects, carrying size only please, to Perth Theatre foyer from 6.30pm.

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Who is Martha? Martha lives by the sea… Martha lives alone… Martha doesn’t need anyone… She is stubborn, eccentric and highly independent. Who are Martha’s friends? Not her next door neighbour. Not her helpful postman Nor her secret admirer from across the bay. One day Martha has an unexpected visitor and her life will never be the same again.

19.00 Wednesday 26th May (Please note start time) Perth Concert Hall

BBC Singers Scottish Connections

THIS IS A LIVE BROADCAST FOR BBC RADIO 3 SO THE AUDIENCE MUST ALL BE SEATED BY 6.50pm. LATE ARRIVALS CANNOT BE ADMITTED UNTIL THE INTERVAL

www.perthfestival.co.uk

As a vital resource in the BBC’s music output, the BBC Singers hold a unique position in British musical life. Performing everything from Byrd to Birtwistle, Tallis to Takemitsu, the versatility of this 24-voice ensemble is second to none. For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/singers Sponsored by

JIMMIE CAIRNCROSS CHARITABLE TRUST

19.30 Thursday 27th May

Perth Concert Hall Coffee Concert

Perth Theatre

Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama Stevenson Winds With Maximiliano Mendelssohn (arr Graham Sheen) Françaix Edward McGuire Mozart

Martín (clarinet)

Konzertstück No.2 in D minor, Op.114 Le gay Paris Wind Octet Serenade No.12 in C minor

The wonderful Royal Scottish Academy Stevenson Winds, led by the effervescent star of the clarinet Maximiliano Martín, offer a diverse programme balancing Françaix’s lighthearted ‘Le gay Paris’ against the darkly passionate utterances of Mozart’s undoubted masterpiece, the C minor wind Serenade. Mendelssohn’s wonderful Konzertstück and Eddie McGuire’s Wind Octet complement the line-up perfectly, with Eddie’s love of Mozart wind serenades strongly influencing his work. It is directed by celebrated clarinettist Maximiliano Martín, a member of the Academy’s illustrious woodwind staff, and features a selected pool of advanced wind players. Coffee will be served from 10.30am and is included in the price of the ticket

12.30 Thursday 27th May St John’s Kirk of Perth Schools Concert by the pupils of Perth Grammar School Sponsored by HSBC

Tim FitzHigham and Duncan Walsh Atkins in

Flanders and Swann At The Drop of A Hippopotamus After three sell out tours, Duncan, Tim, the Hippo and the words and music of Flanders and Swann are back. They are fresh from headlining at the International Flanders and Swann Festival, playing on Donald Swann's piano and drinking from Michael Flanders' famous Madeira decanter. Lifelong fans and the uninitiated alike have delighted in seeing the boys breathe new life into F&S’s wonderful songs including: The Hippopotamus Song, The Gas Man Cometh, The Gnu Song, Omnibus (or A Transport of Delights), A Song of Patriotic Prejudice and Madeira M'Dear. Flanders and Swann’s own brand of inoffensive, gentle but witty and M'Dear often satirical humour has stood the test of time, remaining popular with all ages. Astute wit and genius wordplay... Guardian, also Critic's Choice

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The BBC Singers bring choral music with a Scottish flavour to the Perth Festival, drawing both on the riches of Scotland’s musical past and on its present featuring 16th century music by the great Robert Carver (monk at Scone Abbey) and by his contemporaries Robert Johnson and David Peebles. Scotland’s more recent cultural history is represented in a strikingly-virtuosic setting of William Dunbar’s words by Thea Musgrave (born in Edinburgh), a haunting Celtic lament by James Macmillan, music by Master of the Queen’s Music and modern-day Orcadian settler, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and the world premiere of a new piece by the BBC Singers’ Associate Composer Gabriel Jackson which sets words by Perth poet Robin Bell. Completing the programme, a choral classic by Ralph Vaughan Williams, works with a Celtic slant by Rutland Boughton and Granville Bantock, and – a real curiosity – settings, in German, of Robert Burns’ words by the great German Romantic composer Robert Schumann, who was born 200 years ago this year.

11.00 Thursday 27th May

19.30 Thursday 27th May Perth Concert Hall

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra Tommy Smith Rhapsody in Blue Featuring Brian Kellock and Tam White Directed by Presents

And the music of Ray Charles, Joe Williams and Stevie Wonder

www.perthfestival.co.uk

Tam White has supported BB King, Al Green, Van Morrison, James Taylor, Paul Jones, Charlie Musselwhite and more as well as fronting his big band in a sell-out week of shows at the prestigious Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London. Tam is also known as 'Clan Chief MacGregor' featured in the Hollywood Blockbuster Braveheart with Mel Gibson. SNJO - Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow, Tommy Smith, Konrad Wizsniewski, Bill Fleming, Ryan Quigley, Cameron Jay, Richard Iles, Tom MacNiven, Chris Greive, Phil O'Malley, Michael Owers, Lorna McDonald, Graeme Scott, Brian Kellock, Calum Gourlay and Alyn Cosker. Taking Gershwin full-bloodedly into the modern era… The Herald

St John’s Kirk of Perth Schools Concert by the pupils of Strathallan School Sponsored by HSBC

19.30 Friday 28th May Perth Theatre

Clive Conway presents

An Audience with

Will Self Will Self’s latest book Walking to Hollywood, will be published by Bloomsbury in September. The book is an extraordinary triptych in which Self burrows down through the intersections of time, place and psyche to explore some of our deepest fears and anxieties with his characteristic fearlessness and edgy humour. Will Self is certainly Britain’s leading satirical writer, and something of a public figure. He combines his roles as a journalist/novelist with forcefully-expressed opinions on current political and social matters. As a journalist he has contributed to a plethora of publications over the years. He has a regular column in the Evening Standard and is also a frequent broadcaster on television and radio. Will lives in London with his partner and four children. Of Will Self, J G Ballard wrote He is one of those rare writers whose imaginations change for ever the way we see the world.

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The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra's Rhapsody in Blue takes George Gershwin's classic jazz age concerto on an unprecedented adventure. Re-orchestrated by SNJO director, saxophonist Tommy Smith, this Rhapsody in Blue of the twenty-first century was written to feature Scotland's worldclass jazz pianist Brian Kellock, who played the original Rhapsody as a music student in Edinburgh in 1981. Familiar themes, including the iconic clarinet glissando and Gershwin's heartbreaking nostalgic refrain, have been used - respectfully - as source material and reworked into a fifty-two minute epic that flows through exciting up-tempo movements, rhapsodic blues passages, a sensational Cuban fantasia and hard-swinging jazz choruses, showcasing SNJO's magnificent ensemble playing and top-class, creative soloing.

12.30 Friday 28th May

19.30 Friday 28th May Perth Concert Hall

Perth 800 Concert

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra With Barbara Bonney (soprano) Conducted by Sir Andrew Davis

www.perthfestival.co.uk

Mozart Haydn Schubert Lehár J Strauss Jr Grieg

Mendelssohn

Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K.492 Berenice che fai? (Scena di Berenice), Hob XXIVa:10 Incidental music from Rosamunde, D.797 Vilja Lied from The Merry Widow Emperor Waltzes, Op. 437 Four Songs Fra Monte Pincio, Op. 39 No. 1 Solveig’s Song from Peer Gynt En Svane, Op. 25 No. 2 Våren, Op. 33 No. 2 Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, ‘Scottish’

Sir Andrew Davis has served as Music Director and Principal Conductor of Lyric Opera of Chicago since 2000. Maestro Davis is the Conductor Laureate of the Toronto Symphony, the Conductor Laureate of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the former Music Director of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. Born in 1944 in Hertfordshire, England, Maestro Davis studied at King’s College, Cambridge, where he was an organ scholar before taking up the baton. His diverse repertoire ranges from baroque to contemporary and his vast conducting credits span the symphonic, operatic and choral worlds. In addition to the core symphonic and operatic composers, he is a great proponent of twentieth-century works including those by Janáček, Messiaen, Boulez, Elgar, Tippett and Britten. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is one of Europe’s leading symphony orchestras. Formed in 1891 as the Scottish Orchestra, the company became the Scottish National Orchestra in 1950, and was awarded Royal Patronage in 1991. Throughout its proud history, the Orchestra has played an important part in Scotland’s musical life, including performing at the opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament building in 2004. Many renowned conductors have contributed to its success, including Walter Susskind, Sir Alexander Gibson, Bryden Thomson, Conductor Laureate Neeme Järvi, Conductor Emeritus Walter Weller and Conductor Emeritus Alexander Lazarev. Sponsored by

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May

Perth Art Trail – Art on the River American-born Barbara Bonney is one of the world's most accomplished lyric sopranos. She has said “I am so happy and honoured to be taking part in the celebrations of the 800th anniversary of Perth and the land of golf - my other great passion.”

Tay Street, Perth Saturday 29th May 10.00 – 17.00 Sunday 30th May 11.00 – 16.00 A visit to Perth’s scenic Tay Street will reveal a busy art and craft exhibition with stalls of paintings, drawings, original prints and an interesting selection of crafts. All are set against the stunning backdrop of the River Tay.

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The Festival is staging this stunning concert to mark Perth 800, which is a year-long programme of events to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210.

23 She now leads the field in her chosen repertory of roles by Mozart and Richard Strauss and is increasingly recognised as one of the finest Lieder and concert performers of her generation. Barbara Bonney sings with the world's leading opera companies and her interpretations of Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier under Sir Georg Solti and Carlos Kleiber have both been released on video, as has her performance in the role of Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) from La Scala, Milan. She is also a regular guest with the Vienna State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and in Munich, Hamburg and Geneva.

11.00 Saturday 29th May St John’s Kirk of Perth

Music on a Saturday Morning

Gordon Seith and Pure Brass

Perth Theatre

Kit and the Widow in 100 Not Out Kit & The Widow, Western Europe’s Leading Piano-and-voice-based Lounge Act, may well be in their prime. With fifty years apiece they have now chalked up a dazzling century. Almost unbelievably (except when you see what they look like now) their unbroken stand at the crease has lasted thirty years. Their seditious songs expose all the ball tampering of contemporary life, something they would never stoop to themselves (in fact they’re too old to stoop for anything).

www.perthfestival.co.uk

Touring internationally over the last three years as support for American stand-up Joan Rivers, they are delighted to have sloughed her off for long enough to nip up the M90 and return to the glorious Perth Festival. Kit’s adored contributions on Radio 4’s Just A Minute are always a pleasure, but only return a very modest stipend. Similarly, the cash cow of The Widow’s involvement with Alan Bennett’s The History Boys has been milked dry. Which is why the Fair(ish) Maids of Retro-styled-piano-and-voicebased-lounge-cabaret are delighted to bring songs new and less new to their very favourite Pict town. Though it shall always be a city as far as they are concerned. And fingers crossed it will be again by the time they arrive. If that doesn't curry favour, they don't know what will. Some of the best satirical songs this side of Noël Coward… Scotsman

Achingly funny… Times Curiously thrilling… Evening Standard

Astonishingly competent… Hexham Courant

20.00 Saturday 29th May

Perth Concert Hall

Sharleen Spiteri Sharleen Spiteri, from Glasgow, is famous for fronting this millionselling UK pop rock band called Texas. Three multi-platinum albums, 13 top ten hits. After one solo record she is about to launch a second one. This time she's thinking not just music but movies! Picture it - a whole record of her favourite movie songs recorded in Holywood. It is called Sharleen Spiteri - The Movie Songbook.

Sponsored by

The Hallé Founded in Manchester by the pianist and conductor Charles Hallé in 1858, Britain's longest-established permanent professional symphony orchestra gave its first concert in the city's Free Trade Hall on 30 January of that year. Sir Mark Elder became Music Director in

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This is the sixth concert in the Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert Series, which has brought world-class artists such as Bryn Terfel, Nicola Benedetti, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett and The Royal Philharmonic to the Festival. We are delighted to welcome back the Hallé to Perth Festival, who were regular visitors in the past.

Andy Warhol, Liz, 1965

17 April – 23 October 2010

ARTIST ROOMS in Perth will feature 67 selected works from this collection including Warhol’s early drawings, stitched photographs, prints and posters. The themes in the exhibition will look at film, fashion and photography. The display will also include a large number of self portraits. The exhibition will be at Perth Museum and Art Gallery from 17 April to 23 October 2010. A programme of events will accompany the show including lunchtime lectures, screen-printing workshops and a Family Fun Time.

Nude with Head Dress by Stella Steyn, c1950-55 © The Artist’s Estate

Perth Museum & Art Gallery, 78 George Street, Perth PH1 5LB Mon Sat 10.00 - 17.00 Sun 13.00 - 16.30 Stella Steyn was born in Dublin. Hailed as one of the most promising Irish artists of her generation, much of her early training was in Dublin and Paris. She knew the great Irish writer James Joyce and was invited to make illustrations for the first edition of Finnegan’s Wake.

Stella’s early work reflects that of the Paris School, with the colour and energy often seen in the work of Picasso and Matisse. Her mature portrait studies develop her interest in the human condition. She sought to capture in particular the essence of the female psyche exploring themes of fragility, sensuality and vulnerability.

Perth Museum & Art Gallery, 78 George Street, Perth PH1 5LB Mon Sat 10.00 -17.00 Sun 13.00 - 16.30

Despite her early recognition in Dublin, Stella faded for a time into obscurity, but in recent years her work has been much admired and collected in Ireland. In the UK her work is still largely unknown. This exhibition brings together about 30 works including important loans from The British Museum and The Government Art Collection. The core display however comes from a private collection in Scotland that focuses on her late portraits and figure studies.

The exhibition is supported by Thomson, Roddick & Medcalf, Auctioneers, Carlise

Art on the River, Tay Street, Perth Saturday 29th May 10.00 – 17.00 Sunday 30th May 11.00 – 16.00 The River Tay provides a stunning back drop to a busy art and craft exhibition with over 40 stalls of paintings, drawings, original prints and an interesting selection of crafts. Take the opportunity to admire the artists hard at work on their easels. Be a budding Picasso and get creative at the arts and crafts table. To book a stall call Gillian Coyne 01738 475727 www.perthcity.co.uk Arts Café on the Tay St. Matthew’s Church and Hall, Tay Street Saturday 30th May 10.30 - 15.30 and Sunday 31st May 12.30 - 15.30 Home made soup, freshly filled rolls, home baking, tea and coffee to refresh as you explore Art on the River. Blooming Artists Studio Theatre, Mill Street, Perth 23rd – 30th May 10.00 – 18.00 Art and design work from schools throughout Perth and Kinross ranging from nursery through to S6. Free Admission Concert in Aid of the Children of Haiti Saturday 29th May at 19.30 St. John’s Kirk of Perth Tickets £10 at the door accompanied children go free. The combined forces of Perth Choral Society, Craigclowan Senior Choir and the Kinderchor of the Stiftsbasilika, Aschaffenburg come together to present John Rutter’s Mass of the Children – an appropriate work for this special occasion. The two children’s choirs will sing the first part of the programme and all three choirs will be joined by Julie Martin-Carter, soprano, and Ástmar Ólafsson, baritone, for the Mass, accompanied by a chamber orchestra, organist Andreas Unterguggenberger and conducted by Peter Rutterford, Director of Music, Perth Choral Society.

Fergusson Gallery Marshall Place, Perth PH2 8NS Tel 01738 441944 Admission free, open Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Gallery 1: Fergus & Meg (until 3 October 2010) Display looking at the fascinating creative partnership of J D Fergusson and Margaret Morris, including the magnificent Spring Ballet cloak he designed for her in 1914. Gallery 2: Sculptures & Sketches (until 4 Sept 2010) Selection of sculptures by J D Fergusson accompanied by some of his preparatory drawings. Image attached: 19920434. Head and Foliage carving by J D Fergusson, c.1920 Gallery 3: Dancing as an Art, 100 Years of the Margaret Morris Movement (until 12 Jan 2011) Exhibition telling the remarkable story of the pioneering dancer, artist and choreographer, Margaret Morris whose vast collection was gifted this year to Perth & Kinross Council by the Margaret Morris Movement. Image attached: Harem Dancers by Margaret Morris, 1920

10, Victoria Street Perth PH2 8LW www.framesgallery.co.uk Society of Wood Engravers Annual Exhibition – exhibition continues until 19th June Frames Gallery is excited to be presenting this prestigious exhibition of the UK’s most foremost wood engraver artists. The exhibition will feature the work of over 50 artists so it will be varied and interesting. Look to see how each artists uses such a distinctive medium to achieve their artistic aims. Wood Engraving image: Andy English “Iorek & Iofur Fight” The Magic of Stitch 25th – 29th May at North Church, Mill Street, Perth An exhibition by members of Perth Embroiderers' Guild as part of Perth Festival of the Arts. Open Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th May from 10.00 to 16.00 each day. Details from tel 01738 631552.

A N D E V E N T S

FESTIVAL ART EXHIBITIONS

As the most famous proponent of Pop Art, his earliest ‘Pop’ works depict consumer goods and images from the press. This evolved to reveal his enduring fascination with celebrity and mortality, with many of his most powerful images touching on these themes. Although Warhol’s renowned screen printed paintings, such as his portraits of the rich and famous, have become his defining work, he also extensively explored the medium of photography, created ground-breaking films, and produced some inspirational advertising campaigns.

15 May-16 October 2010

In 1931 she went for a short time to the Bauhaus in Germany, a centre of the European avant-garde, where she briefly experimented with abstract graphic design. The rise of Nazism forced her to abandon Europe and Stella sought refuge in the UK.

After graduating and moving to New York in 1949, Warhol quickly became established as one of the city’s most sought-after, commercial illustrators, working for magazines such as Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar. However, it was in the early-sixties that he began to produce the work for which he is most celebrated.

Perth Art Trail brings together all the wonderful events and exhibitions taking place at Festival time. Many are within easy walking distance of Perth City Centre.

E X H I B I T I O N S

ARTIST ROOMS is owned jointly by National Galleries of Scotland and Tate and was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008. ARTIST ROOMS On Tour is a partnership between The Art Fund and the Scottish Government and makes available the ARTIST ROOMS collection to galleries throughout the UK. Andy Warhol is one of the most influential American artists to emerge in the post-war period. ARTIST ROOMS includes an impressive selection of 232 works which span the artist’s entire oeuvre, and reflect his eclectic career and vibrant personality.

Stella Steyn (1907-1987) Irish Modern Painter Perth Museum and Art Gallery

I N D E P E N D E N T

ARTIST ROOMS was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Art Fund and the Scottish and British Governments. ARTIST ROOMS is being shared with galleries and museums throughout the UK thanks to the support of independent charity, The Art Fund and, within Scotland, The Scottish Government. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/DACS, London 2010

Sunday 23rd May 15.00 Sunday 30th May 15.00

Perthshire Art Association Exhibition Venue to be decided check Association website for details Saturday 22nd May – Sunday 30th May 10.00 – 16.00 Work by both professional and amateur members of the Association including watercolours, acrylics, landscapes, portraits, still lifes and ceramics. Watch the artist in residence hard at work. Check www.perthshireartassociation.org for latest information.

Image of ‘Loch Tay and The Crannog’ copyright of Mike Bell, Perthshire Photographic Society

The Ruthven Gallery Work by Jonathan Shearer will be shown alongside work by Louise Balaam from 8th May until 26th June. Both artists are influenced by the wilderness of the Scottish landscape, informed as much by the experience of being in the places, by weather, sounds, smells and the process of walking through the landscape, as by what can be seen. For more details, refer to: www.theruthvengallery.co.uk The Ruthven Gallery, Contemporary Art and Framing, 136a High Street, Auchterarder, PH3 1AA, Tel: 01764 664233, Mob: 07759 207132 Open Tues – Sat 10.00 – 17.00, Wed 10.00 – 13.00

boo vake5 Watergate, Perth, PH1 5TF www.boovake.co.uk mini exhibition of ceramics by Perthshire artist Ceri White with 'meet the maker' evening. Runs from Thurs 20th - Wed 26th May. Also permanent display of work by Scottish & UK based makers & designers. Shop Window Display Competition In conjunction with The Perthshire Advertiser the Festival is mounting a competition of shop window displays with prizes for the best design reflecting the arts. For details call Sandra Ralston 01577 862420. Perth College For the thirteenth year the Festival is working with Perth College to provide work placements and help with marketing studies for students. This collaboration is very much appreciated by the Festival as the work of the students is invaluable. Photography The Festival is grateful to John Glen for his photography in Perth during Festival time. Floral Displays The floral displays in St John’s Kirk, Perth Concert Hall and other Festival venues are the result of the artistry and hard work of Perth Flower Club.

A N D E V E N T S

Perthshire Photographic Society Perth 800 Photography Exhibition - Perth & Kinross Today The exhibition opens in The Threshold Artspace of Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 3rd April and runs till 10th August. It then moves to the Birnam Institute where it will be displayed from 4 - 29 September 2010. The exhibition shows the diverse range of interests and activities in the Perth and Kinross area and includes photographs of landscapes, portraits of local people, street markets, sports and also some abstracts. The exhibition will be available for viewing at normal opening times for each venue. Contact the society: President@perthshirephotographicsociety.org.uk

A Pocketful of Perthshire Poetry, Prose and Song Written and performed by Perthshire Writers Soutar Theatre, A K Bell Library, Thursday 27th May at 14.30. Tickets £5 Available at the door

14.00 14.00 12.00 14.00

Tayberry Gallery 19, Princes Street, Perth The Tayberry Gallery is holding an exhibition of new handmade jewellery by in-house designer/maker Ebba Redman and this will be showcased alongside limited edition screenprints by Freya Miller, which will be available both framed and unframed. The work of these young artist’s is characterised by an unmistakable feminine quality and draws from homespun influences of domestic life and bygone eras.

E X H I B I T I O N S

The Fergusson Gallery to the A.K. Bell Library Meet outside the Fergusson Gallery The North Inch and the Lands of the Blackfriars Meet under the dry arch of Smeaton’s Bridge

Perth Youth Theatre PYT Collective present an outdoor extravaganza! Free The Tree by Colin Bradie, Directed by John Glancy Sunday 9th May - Biodiversity in Larghan Park, Coupar Angus Sunday 16th May - Perth 800 Biodiversity Fun Day, North Inch, Perth Sunday 23rd May - Loch Leven NNR Discovery Day, Kinross Sunday 30th May - Picnic in the Park, MacRosty Park, Crieff It’s Business as usual for the citizens of “West Island” Crops to be planted, fish to be caught and houses to build and heat. The only problem is there is only one tree left and everyone wants their cut! “The Tree is an Eco comedy for all the family with colourful characters, madcap humour and live music. Performed out and about around a tree near you on Sundays throughout May! Finally! A play highlighting the problems created by capitalism and globalisation that doesn't send children to sleep! Edinburghguide.com

I N D E P E N D E N T

Perth Civic Trust Guided Walks Perth Civic Trust was founded in 1967 with one of its main objectives being the conservation of the environment be it buildings, monuments, townscape and landscape of architectural, scenic or historic merit or of high amenity value in Perth. The Trust has for many years been delighted to lead guided walks around historical Perth as part of its contribution to Perth Festival of the Arts. The walks take place in small groups, each with a guide. This year the walks are taken from the new booklet Walks Around Historic Perth – the title of the very successful booklet the Trust sponsored earlier this year, written by members of the Trust and published by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust. There are four walks in the booklet and two of these – “The Fergusson Gallery to the A.K. Bell Library” and “The North Inch and the Lands of the Blackfriars” are walks the Trust will lead during the 2010 Festival. The other two walks are “The City Centre” and “Tay Street and the Bridges”. Copies of the booklet will be available to purchase on the day.

PERTH THEATRE

P E R T H

CIRCLE

STALLS

C O N C E R T

EVENT

THU 20 MAY

£25.00

£33.50

N/A

£25.00

£33.50

SAT 22 MAY

English Touring Opera Don Pasquale English Touring Opera The Marriage of Figaro English Touring Opera The Marriage of Figaro

£25.00

SUN 23 MAY

Animal Farm by George Orwell

£12.00

MON 24 MAY

Mr McFalls Chamber with Michael Marra

£15.00

£17.00

£12.00

£17.00

£12.00

£15.00

£9.00

TUES 25 MAY

TUE 25 MAY

An Audience with Gyles Brandreth

£15.00

£17.00

£12.00

£17.00

£12.00

£15.00

£9.00

TUES 25 MAY

WED 26 MAY

Show for Children - Martha

£16.00

£18.00

£12.00

£18.00 £3.00

£12.00

£16.00

£8.00

WED 26 MAY

Antique Antics with Eric Knowles

£15.00

£17.00

£12.00

£17.00

£12.00

£15.00

£9.00

THUR 27 MAY

Flanders and Swann

£17.00

£19.00

£13.00

£19.00

£13.00

£17.00

£9.00

THUR 27 MAY

FRI 28 MAY

An Audience with Will Self

£15.00

£17.00

£12.00

£17.00

£12.00

£15.00

£9.00

RSNO with Barbara BonneyP & Sir Andrew Davis P

SAT 29 MAY

Kit and the Widow

£19.00

£21.00

£15.00

£21.00

£15.00

£19.00

£12.00

FRI 28 MAY SAT 29 MAY

Sharleen Spiteri

SUN 30 MAY

The Hallé with Alison Balsom

FRONT/ CENTRE/ SIDE-REAR CENTRE-REAR

SIDE/ BOXES

UPPER

£33.50

£21.00

£25.00

N/A

£33.50

£21.00

£33.50

N/A

£33.50

£14.00

£9.00

£14.00

BOXES

FRONT

DATE

EVENT

£14.00

WED 19 MAY

£25.00

£14.00

£21.00

£25.00

£9.00

£12.00

REAR

H A L L BALCONY

STALLS

DATE

FRI 21 MAY

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

T H E A T R E

CENTRE REAR

ORCH

CENTRE FRONT

SIDE FRONT

Don McLean

£27.50

£27.50 £27.50 £27.50 £27.50 £27.50

FRI 21 MAY

Rich Hall

£18.00

£18.00 £18.00

£14.00

SAT 22 MAY

Festival Fling with Skerryvore

£6.00

SUN 23 MAY

The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra

All seating is reserved and bookable in advance.

N/A

BBC Singers

RAISED SIDE

FRONT

REAR

SIDE

£17.001 £17.002 £17.002 £27.00 £24.00 £27.00 £24.00 £24.00

£24.00

£27.00

£24.00

£12.00

£18.00

£18.00 £18.00

£19.00

£21.00

£19.00

£21.00 £19.00

£12.00

£17.00

£17.00 £17.00

£32.00

£35.00

£32.00

£35.00 £32.00 £35.00 £32.00 £32.00

£28.00

£28.00 £28.00 £28.00 £28.00 £28.00

£38.00

£41.00

£38.00

£41.00 £38.00 £41.00 £38.00 £38.00

RSAMD String Ensemble £12.00 Coffee Concert PP Ukulele Orchestra of £18.00 Great Britain

RSAMD Stevenson Winds Coffee Concert P Scottish National Jazz Orchestra

RAISED CENTRE

PERTH CONCERT HALL

Note: All Events are SEATED unless otherwise described 1 STANDING ONLY - All seats in the Orchestral and Central Stalls areas will be removed to allow dancing. 2

Seating in the Raised Stalls is UNRESERVED

S T DATE SAT 29 MAY

J O H N ' S

K I R K

O F

EVENT

Gordon Seith and Pure Brass

All seating is unreserved and bookable in advance.

P E R T H VENUE

PRICES

St. John's Kirk of Perth

£9.00

Free Festival Event Programmes Once again there will be no charge for programmes for a number of events within the Festival. These events are marked (P) in the ticket price tabulations. Events not marked with a (P) will either not have a printed programme or have a programme for sale produced by the visiting Artiste(s) or Group. The Festival organisers reserve the right to substitute performers and vary the published programme should circumstances make it necessary.

G EN ERAL I NFO RM ATION

G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

On Friday 19th March Programme Diaries, incorporating a booking form, will be posted Concessions - Registered Disabled, Registered Unemployed, Students, Young Scotcard Holders and Children under 16 - £2 off published ticket prices excluding Hallé, Perth 800 Concert and 1st class to Friends of the Festival. Friends can then immediately submit to the Box Office a booking form and enjoy a period of Priority Booking. Friends’ bookings will be English Touring Opera. processed by 29th March. It only costs £10 to be a Friend and enjoy this facility. Disabled Facilities - All the Festival’s venues can accommodate disabled persons. If you From Monday 29th March Programme Diaries will be available to the general public require a wheelchair space, please tick the box provided at the top right of the Ticket Application and the Box Office and online booking will open. Form. Perth Theatre and St. John’s Kirk are both fitted with induction loop systems to assist the hard of hearing. Ticket purchases may be made as follows: • Telephone Bookings at 01738 621031 • Online Booking at www.perthfestival.co.uk • Over the counter at Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall • By completing the Booking Form at the back of this brochure • Tickets will be on sale at the door of events subject to availability. • Tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded.

£17.001 £17.001 £17.001 £17.001

SIDE REAR

I N D E P E N D E N T

Perth is easily accessible by road and train and is well supplied with fine shops and restaurants. The Café Quarter next to the City Hall is well worth a visit. Have you considered travelling to Perth for the day to shop, eat, and then attend a concert by train or bus? It would make a memorable day out! All venues are located in the central area of the city within walking distance of each other. Car Parking Kinnoull Street muti-storey is a few minutes walk from Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre. Open Mon - Sat 7am - midnight, Sun 10am - midnight. Charge from 6pm - midnight is £1.00

E X H I B I T I O N S

1 Museum and

Art Gallery 2 Theatre and

Festival Box Office

FRIENDS OF PERTH FESTIVAL Inaugurated in September 1982, the Association now has a membership of over 600. The Association elects a Management Committee of its members at its A.G.M. in September. The Association supports Perth Festival financially by giving a substantial annual donation to Festival funds. Membership of the Association affords: 1. Full rights to participate in the activities of the Association throughout the year, including theatre and concert visits, lectures, receptions and to receive newsletters and communications. 2. An advance copy of the Festival Programme Diary, which is posted to members by first-class mail on 20th March before it is available to the public, giving members a period of priority booking.

Booking Form 2010

R Y

Name

To: PERTH FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE

Telephone No.

Address

Mobile No.

Perth Theatre, 185 High Street, Perth PHI 5UW or Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PHI5HZ

Post Code

Date

CONCERT / PERFORMANCE / EVENT

TICKETS Seating Area Number

email address

Total Value

Price

Alternative Seating Area(s)

Office Use

If you require a wheel chair space please tick

Should your first choice of seats not be available other seats will be offered – please indicate your choice of alternative seating area(s)

Current Membership fees are: Family or Individual Membership £10.00. For detailed information and membership application form please write to: Membership Secretary, Friends of Perth Festival of the Arts Association c/o 83 Roberston Road, Perth PH1 1SQ or email friends@perthfestival.co.uk

3 Perth Concert Hall

4 St. John’s

Kirk of Perth

Completed ticket applications should be posted to Perth Festival Box Office at Perth Theatre, or handed in to Perth Concert Hall or Perth Theatre. Accompanying cheques/P.O. should be made payable to HORSECROSS ARTS LTD. Tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded. If you would like your tickets posted to you, please add 50p to the total

A N D E V E N T S

Are you a member of the ‘Friends’ Association?

Yes

£0.50 TOTAL PAYMENT

May we keep your details on our database to keep you informed about Festival events in future years? Y/N May we share your information with similar arts organisations? Y/N Payment tick one

I enclose my cheque / P.O. for £

made payable to HORSECROSS ARTS LTD.

I wish to pay by Mastercard / Visa / Maestro /Switch (delete) Credit Card dates: Valid From

to End

Signature:

My card number is:

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