Hull in print

Hull is alive with the sound of music this year. The popular annual Hull Jazz Festival has brought local, national and international musicians together for a nine day celebration featuring bebop, salsa, funk, bossa nova, jump jive, trad and more.

But if jazz is not your bag, daddy-o, then later in August Viking FM are working with Hull City Council to present a spectacular chart-topping line-up at their eagerly anticipated Party in East Park.

And on the evening of August 29, the stars will shine in Queens Gardens when a 50 piece orchestra and five of the country's top singers perform a programme of popular classics and arias culminating in a spectacular firework display. The 'Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Park' event will feature the rousing musical talents of Laurence Robinson, Claire Bradshaw, and Tenors UnLimited.

Laurence will already be known to local rugby fans having performed in Hull to standing ovation at the KC Stadium earlier this year. The former financial services salesman, who was 'discovered' after being made redundant in 2001, now regularly moves the crowds at some of the country's major sporting events including the Worthington Cup and the Nationwide League play-offs. Laurence performs an unashamedly popular repertoire including favourites such as Nessun Dorma, Jerusalem and even Danny Boy.

For Hull-born Claire Bradshaw the event will be a real homecoming. After studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, Claire made her professional debut with the Scottish Opera in the role of Cherubino Le Nozze in Figaro and has performed in a variety of other roles with the company since then. Described in reviews as enchanting, sophisticated and a name to watch, Claire has gained critical acclaim for her performances as Suzuki in Madame Butterfly and also as Carmen.

Tenors UnLimited, alias Stuart Pendred, Jem Sharples and American Scott Ciscon take the popular Three Tenors format made famous by Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras, blending classical opera with more modern favourites as sung by Sinatra, Connick Jnr and Tom Jones.

Cllr David Gemmell, Hull City Council cabinet portfolio holder responsible for Cultural and Leisure Policy is delighted that the city council is providing such a broad range of musical events this summer: "With jazz, pop and classical there really is something for all ages and all tastes, great events in accessible city venues.

We can't guarantee the British weather, but we really can promise a fantastic line-up of world class performers in Hull this month."

Hull Jazz Festival: July 31 to August 8. Various venues.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Park: August 29. 6 - 9.30pm. Queens Gardens.
Free event with fireworks


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