Class acts

Jul 11 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

The 2008 Chester Summer Music Festival will be a concentrated week of world class entertainment, taking as its theme a celebration of the voice.

The most immediate form of communication between each of us, the voice has been used by composers throughout the ages to express both complex and also the simplest and most direct of emotions.

Performed by some of the most outstanding vocalists of the day, the concerts embrace the lyrical beauty of Alfie Boe’s Italian recital to the drama of John Harle’s exciting new choral work, commissioned by the festival.

John Harle is also the festival’s artist in residence. Above anyone in the UK, he has developed the saxophone's broad and versatile appeal, and as composer, through his film and TV work, has written so much that is memorable for the voice.

He joins the festival not only as composer and performer but also for masterclasses and talks.

As a conductor, musical director and producer in a variety of fields, he has worked with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Moondog, Ute Lemper and Lesley Garrett.