Classical and Jazz: Preview - Singers at the London Coliseum to pay tribute to Sir Charles Mackerras
Published: 23 June, 2011
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
NEARLY two-dozen international singers will be at the London Coliseum on Sunday evening to sing in a tribute to Sir Charles Mackerras, the conductor who died a year ago.
The singers include sopranos Lesley Garrett and Kate Valentine; mezzos Dame Felicity Palmer and Christine Rice; tenors Allan Clayton and Michael Colvin; baritones Anthony Michaels-Moore and Simon Butteriss; and basses Brindley Sherratt and Matthew Rose.
The tribute to Mackerras is being made by English National Opera to mark his long and prolific association with the company stretching back more than 60 years.
Famous arias, ensembles and choruses by composers including Handel, Mozart, Verdi, Strauss and Gilbert & Sullivan will be sung at the event, together with pieces by Britten and Janacek, two composers championed by Mackerras.
Taking up the baton at this Sunday’s concert will be three of ENO’s musical directors, past and present: Edward Gardner, Sir Mark Elder and Paul Daniel.
Evening proceeds go to the ENO Benevolent Fund.