World celebrated ensemble The King’s Singers top the bill of this year’s Ipswich School Festival of Music.
They will launch the Seven Telematics sponsored event, now in its sixth year, on October 1.
Also joining this year’s line-up on October 5 is Grammy-nominated American jazz singer Stacey Kent, who will be appearing along with her band as part of her European tour.
“I’m delighted to be announcing another great line-up of top professional musicians who will be joining us at Ipswich School this October. We hope they will entertain audiences and inspire young musicians with a diverse range of musical styles,” said Sion Parry, Ipswich School’s director of music and the festival’s new artistic director.
Getting your weekend off to a swing on October 2 will be the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Ipswich School Big Band.. For the younger audiences, the Family Orchestral Concert on October 4 features popular film and TV themes, as well as a performance of Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood.
The festival links back up with the Ipswich Chamber Music Society on October 3 when concert pianist, and former Ipswich School director of music, Andrew Leach will give a recital.
The Royal College of Music Strings bring the week to a close on October 6 with a performance which will include Ipswich School string musicians.
This year’s programme includes the usual education programme. The King’s Singers will lead workshops for the Ipswich School Chapel Choir and Prep Chamber Choir prior to their evening performance.
The National Youth Jazz Orchestra will stage improvisation workshops for singers and instrumentalists at local primary schools. There will also be street dance workshops led by Urban Strides.
A mass string orchestra from primary and prep schools, led by the Royal College of Music’s strings students and Ipswich School teachers, will bring the week to a climax.
Mr Parry added: “As well as offering our special early bird reduction of 10% on many tickets bought before the beginning of July, we have maintained our £5 student tickets for most concerts. I would encourage people to book their tickets as soon as possible, ready for some memorable concerts in the autumn.”
The festival runs October 1-6 at Ipswich School. Tickets are available from May 1. Visit www.ipswichschoolfestival.org.uk for more info.
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