BLAKE, the Classical BRIT Award-winning harmony trio, will be guest soloists at Castle Howard's Summer Proms 2017 on August 19.
Presented by the Castle Howard Estate and LPH Concerts, the Proms will take place for a 27th year in the castle gardens, where Blake will be joined by classical chart-topping soprano Joanna Forest and the London Gala Orchestra.
Blake – Stephen Bowman, Humphrey Berney and Ollie Baines –perform classical and pop songs in harmony vocal arrangements that have attracted album sales of more than one million, number one hits in ten countries and 150 television appearances around the globe.
“We are delighted to be performing at Castle Howard this summer; it’s a beautiful venue with the most stunning backdrop," they say. "This year we celebrate our tenth anniversary together and we look forward to greeting fans old and new at what is set to be a night to remember.”
Marking their decade of singing, touring and recording six albums together, Blake have announced plans to return to their classical-crossover roots for a special anniversary album with the promise of lush vocals, full orchestra, big band, choirs and special guests. "To make this record, we sincerely need all our amazing fans around the world behind us, pre-ordering the album, special gifts and unique VIP experiences direct from PledgeMusic," say the trio.
"Once we hit 100 per cent of the target on our PledgeMusic page, we’re able to begin recording and fulfilling all your special pledges.
"This album will be over two thirds classical repertoire, so we will be aiming it at the UK classical album chart. With all your help, we are hoping for a third success at the number one spot. How fantastic would it be, if the album you supported, that your name was inside, that you watched being recorded, became another genuine number one for Blake? We know we can achieve that together; it’s all possible with PledgeMusic. With your support, we will make this the best album of our ten years together."
Soprano Joanna Forest
Essex soprano Joanna Forest will sing at Castle Howard in the wake of her debut album, Stars Are Rising, going straight to number one in the classical charts earlier this year. The classical crossover record was recorded with the City of Prague Philharmonic and Arts Symphonic Orchestras and was produced, orchestrated and conducted by pianist Robert Emery.
The London Gala Orchestra will play popular classics, songs from musicals and Proms favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Pomp & Circumstance No1 in a firework-lit finale.
Rachel Howard, Castle Howard’s marketing manager, says: "We’re delighted to welcome back the Proms concert to Castle Howard. Now in its 27th year, it is a firm favourite in our events calendar and an evening not to be missed. The Proms is a great opportunity to bring family and friends together for an open-air celebration; bring along picnics, drinks, tables and chairs and set up on the lawn for the perfect summer event.”
Gates will open at 6pm and the main programme will start at 7.30pm. Tickets are newly on sale at an early bird rate of £25.50 until May 31 online at castlehoward.co.uk; the price rises to £32.50 from June 1; accompanied children aged under five enjoy free admission.
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