MUSIC LEGENDS Van Morrison, Jools Holland and Sir James Galway have been revealed as headline acts for this year’s Perth Festival of the Arts.
The May event will also feature three operas, a world-class choir and a Russian Gala Concert. More announcements are to be made in the coming weeks.
The festival is a registered charity and is now in its 42nd year. Over the years it has grown from its classical and opera roots to embrace a wide range of art forms.
Festival chairman Craig Dennis said: “As you see from the list of well-known names who are joining us in 2013, we have been working very hard to create an event that will play a memorable part in the cultural calendar here in Perth.”
A-list singer-songwriter Van Morrison will play at Perth Concert Hall on May 22. The veteran hitmaker is approaching his sixth decade in the music business, delivering classics such as Brown Eyed Girl, Have I Told You Lately and Bright Side of the Road.
Sir James and Lady Galway will play at the festival’s opening concert on May 19 with the English Chamber Orchestra.
Sir James will play the Mozart Flute Concerto and is sure to be a massive draw, having sold 30 million albums and toured worldwide.
Jools Holland returns with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra after a sell-out success last year. His May 17 show will feature a special guest, who is yet to be announced.
English Touring Opera will present three new productions from May 16 to 18 and world-renowned choir the Sixteen will perform in St John’s Kirk as part of its Choral Pilgrimage tour.
London Classic Theatre promises to bring a 19th century Oscar Wilde classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, to life for a Perth audience and the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra will close the festival.
However, the event is not only about big-name international stars but also nurtures local musical talent.
Tickets will go on sale on March 25. Friends of the Festival can book for the week before the box office opens.
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk