Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series
Alfie Boe, Sir Willard White, Aled Jones, Tenors Unlimited and Queen Symphonic will headline three spectacular concerts as part of the Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series at Harewood House in the heart of Yorkshire from 3-5 September 2021.
After a long year of lockdowns, stars of the West End, Broadway, and international music arenas will gather for a rousing, spine-tingling extravaganza in the magnificent grounds.
Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series is a three-day series of concerts featuring musical theatre legends, orchestral icons, a symphonic spectacular and spellbinding silent firework displays.
Alfie Boe will open the series of concerts on Friday 3 September 2021. Ever since he exploded onto the music scene nearly 20 years ago, Boe, a veteran of the London stage and Broadway, has racked up one extraordinary achievement after another. He has two UK Number 1 albums to his credit and has sold more than one million albums in the UK. Having performed in some of the world’s greatest venues, he has the rare ability to bring together all sorts of music lovers.
Not many artists can lay claim to having appeared in the West End, on Broadway with lead roles in Les Misérables, La Boheme (which earned him a Tony Award) and the spectacular orchestral classic rock album Quadrophenia. He is a singer who transcends categories.
“When I look at the crowd at my concerts,” he says, “I can see I’ve got Who fans, musical theatre fans and jazz fans as well.”
Most recently having starred as Jean Valjean in the ‘All Star’ concert of Les Miserables, Boe will be performing some of his favourite songs and West End hits with special guests and fellow West End and Broadway stars Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker who will open the show.
On Saturday 4 September 2021, The Great Yorkshire Promswill feature another stellar line-up of classical talent. Hosted by singer and presenter Aled Jones MBE, special guests include Sir Willard White, Sophie Evans, Peyee Chen and Tenors Unlimited. They will be accompanied by the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, a professional orchestra specifically created to support freelance musicians from Yorkshire, who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
The final night on Sunday 5 September will see international rock band Queen Symphonic wow audiences with performances of Queen’s greatest hits. The unique sound blends symphonic arrangements with classic Queen songs. Queen Symphonic features exceptional vocalists, a world class rock band and the incredible 50-piece Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. Expect to hear unforgettable tunes such as ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and of course ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
The Saturday and Sunday performances will end with a live firework finale, uniquely silent to ensure minimal disturbance to Harewood House’s gorgeous wildlife. The shows will take place in the grounds of Harewood House, taking full advantage of the picturesque surroundings. Event guests are invited to bring their own food, drink, chairs and blankets, enjoying a full Picnic Proms experience in the heart of Harewood.
Ben Crick, conductor for Vivo Entertainment and the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, adds: “We’re sure event-goers can’t wait to enjoy live music once again and it’s our pleasure to present this spectacular series of outdoor events. Harewood House is the perfect setting for such prestigious artists and legendary musicians to showcase their talents. We’re sure the Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series will be a truly magnificent series of events for everyone involved, including our wonderful audiences.”
Ticket prices begin at £35. The event has been created and designed to ensure potential government restrictions, including social distancing and household bubbles, can be adhered to if required. Additional safety measures such as on-site hand sanitising stations and queuing systems will also be in place.
Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series
Friday 3 September: Alfie Boe with special guests Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker
Saturday 4 September: The Great Yorkshire Proms hosted by Aled Jones and featuring The Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, Sir Willard White, Sophie Evans and Tenors Unlimited
Sunday 5 September: Queen Symphonic with the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra
Harewood House sits in the heart of Yorkshire and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions of contemporary art, rare Bird Garden, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore.
Vivo Entertainment is a Leeds-based events producer. The company aims to support musicians, artists, freelancers and audiences who have deeply missed live entertainment throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, offering the opportunity to come together and enjoy unique musical events once again.