GRB Concerts were delighted to have provided the closing event for this years Peterborough Festival at the Broadway Theatre. A new concert for GRB, ‘From West End To Broadway’ was a celebration of music from shows that have played in both theatrelands. As ever with this type of programme, the issue is always what to leave out, rather than what to include. Alongside West End stalwarts, Matt Cammelle, Sophie-Louise Dann and Shona Lindsay, and with superb accompaniment from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, we played to a packed house, and rewarded with a standing ovation, which never palls! However, these concerts are never as relaxed as they might appear. Matt and Sophie-Louise are deep into rehearsals for their respective shows in London (Evita & Made In Dagenham), and Shona was a last minute replacement due to ill health. Despite these pressures, it proves once again that there is no substitute for experience, and all performed with aplomb.
“Thank you so much for creating such a brilliant show as the finale for Peterborough Arts Festival – I can safely say the quality and sheer joy of the evening seems to have stunned everyone into silence. It is very unusual in these days of email not to receive anything but universal praise for the concert – it really raised the bar for what can be presented in Peterborough.”
Kate Hall, Arts Programme Manager, Peterborough Festival.
It will have been another busy week for Richard Balcombe who hot- footed it to Peterborough from Athens where he had been conducting a concert at the spectacular Herodes Atticus, and he will complete his week in Hyde Park, conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra at The Proms in The Park.