British musical theatre actress Louise Dearman and Icelandic classical musical star Gardar Thor Cortes will perform as special guests alongside The Hallé at Tatton Park in Cheshire this summer.
The Tatton Park Picnic Concert returns on Sunday, August 2 when the North West’s most famous orchestra will entertain thousands of music lovers in the splendid surroundings of the magnificent Knutsford estate.
Louise, the first performer to have ever played both the lead roles of Glinda and Elphaba in West End hit Wicked, will be taking to the stage to perform an array of musical hits.
Musical James Bond
She will be joined by Gardar, described as the James Bond of classical music, who has enjoyed phenomenal success with British number one album Cortes, sell-out tours and a Classical Brit Award nomination.
Louise said: “‘I am delighted to be performing in the Tatton Park Picnic Concert this year. It’s always a pleasure performing with The Hallé Orchestra and to collaborate with Gardar Thor Cotes in such beautiful surroundings is an honour.”
Gardar added: “I’m very much looking forward to performing at Tatton Park. The Hallé is such a prestigious orchestra and always a pleasure to work with. And of course, to perform with Louise Dearman will be such a joy. I think this is going to be a magical evening. I can’t wait.”
West End star
Louise’s first musical theatre roles came in touring productions of Joseph and Grease which led to her appearing in the latter at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre.
Most recent engagements include a Variety Gala Evening at Bradford Alhambra guesting with Michael Ball, an autumn UK tour of Bond and Beyond and she was invited to perform on the international production of Tell Me On A Sunday.
Cortes has released albums, classical and crossover in the UK and his native Iceland as well as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reaching number one in South Africa and Taiwan. In 2011 he recorded an album of duets with his father Gardar Cortes Snr entitled Island which received great acclaim.
Fireworks display
The Tatton Park Picnic Concert is one of the most popular nights in the region’s live music calendar and culminates with a spectacular firework display over the Mere.
Peter Taylor, from event organisers Cuffe and Taylor, said he is thrilled Louise and Gardar will be performing.
He said: “This is an absolutely splendid event to be involved in and to now be in a position to announce that such acclaimed classical music stars will be performing alongside The Hallé is fantastic. Both Louise and Gardar display such incredible musical talent and I am sure the crowd at Tatton will be absolutely thrilled to see them perform. It really will be a magical evening.”
Tickets for the August 2 picnic concert are on sale now and people are being urged to grab tickets while they are still available.
Around 12,000 people are expected to enjoy the picnic concert at this established and well-renowned outdoor event and the evening will come to a climax with a spectacular firework finale over the Mere.
Tickets available from www.tattonpark.org.uk .
