BACKForget overpriced drinks and crowded bars – why not spend New Year’s Eve at one of the many exciting concerts on offer in London? WildKat PR have found the best concerts to celebrate the transition into the New Year. Take your pick and enjoy!
What? Berliner Philharmoniker Gala Concert
Where? Barbican
When? 31st December 2010, 4.15pm (click to book tickets)
In this New Year’s Eve celebration, the Berliner Philharmoniker Gala Concert will be transmitted live from Berlin to the Barbican! The Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the orchestra in works by Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, Bizet and de Falla. The acclaimed mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca will join the orchestra in this exciting concert. Full price tickets cost £25, concession tickets cost £20 and tickets are even cheaper for Barbican Members at £17.50. After the concert, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco and a three-course meal at Searcys for £45. Click on the links above for more information.
What? Madam Butterfly
Where? King’s Head Theatre, Islington
When? 31st December 2010, 5pm (click to book tickets)
OperaUpClose are bringing more Puccini in the pub to new audiences! By bringing opera out of its traditional venue, this innovative opera company are ‘leading an artistic revolution’, according to the Sunday Times. After the company’s success with La Boheme, OperaUpClose have continued to modernise and update operatic works through radical interpretations. This version of Madam Butterfly is brought right up to date to present-day Bangkok, directed by OperaUpClose artistic director Adam Spreadbury-Maher. Tickets cost just £15.30.
What? Viennese New Year’s Eve Gala
Where? Barbican
When? 31st December 2010, 7.30pm (click to book tickets)
You might just be able to make this concert after the Barbican’s earlier Berliner Philharmoniker Gala Concert at 4.15pm. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be led from the violin by John Georgiadis in this evening of Viennese music. Famous waltzes and polkas to be performed will include Johann Strauss’ ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and ‘Champagne Polka’. The soprano Gail Pearson will also join the RPO in this exciting, celebratory concert. This concert has been a tradition at the Barbican for over 25 years! Ticket prices range from £19.50-£42.50.
What? Winter Wassail
Where? Shakespeare’s Globe
When? 1st January 2011, 2pm and 5pm (click to book tickets)
This concert is on New Year’s Day itself: a celebratory musical occasion with the world-renowned early music ensemble Gabrieli Consort and Players. The concert will feature a variety of music and poetry that has been used across the ages to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Gabrieli will present a choral programme inspired by the words of Shakespeare, Hardy and Chaucer. According to Artistic Director Paul McCreesh, ‘Winter Wassail will be a crazy project, bringing all sorts of lively music from mid-winter festivals from the medieval to nineteenth-century into the open air – a real, mulled wine, musical celebration with a winter theme’. Tickets range from £5 to £30. It’s an open-air production, so wrap up warm!