Top Scottish Traditional big band The Treacherous Orchestra is tuning up to get 2010 off to a spectacular start at Perth's annual Hogmanay bash. With wintry weather on the cards, a cosy evening of music, special guests, fireworks and stovies in Perth Concert Hall is the perfect way to avoid the elements this New Year!
In keeping with Hogmanay tradition, Horsecross invited a tall dark handsome stranger in the form of The Mysterious Man from Perth Theatre's Pinocchio, to launch the Jan to Apr brochure which shows no let up in the line up of well kent and new faces who will entertain audiences in Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre over the coming months.
Samaagam in March is the culmination of the first community based event run by Horsecross Arts as part of the Perth 800 celebrations. Legendary Indian classical musician Amjad Ali Khan joins the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, school pupils and community participants in Perth Concert Hall for this Home and Away event in honour of Indian and Western music.
Fresh from its launch at the Edinburgh Hogmanay party, new dance and music extravaganza, Off Kilter storms into Perth Concert Hall in January. February sees a Fair City first as the Perth Concert Hall stage is transformed into a frozen wonderland for a dazzling performance of Snow White on Ice by the Russian Ice Stars.
Old friends joining the party include pianist Alasdair Beatson who will be Artist in Residence in Perth Concert Hall throughout the spring performing both solo and with his favourite chamber music partners. Llŷr Williams takes on the challenge of performing all thirty two Beethoven piano sonatas over the course of the year, kicking off in February with Sonatas No 1, No 2, No 3, No 19, No 20. We are thrilled to welcome back world renowned bass-baritone Willard White with his tribute to the legendary Paul Robeson in April. And, once again, Scotland's national orchestras and the Scottish Ensemble perform in an impressive series of concerts.
The True North Orchestra, a hand-picked dream team of musicians who straddle the folk and classical world will be stopping off on their way back from opening Celtic Connections 2010 to perform in Perth Concert Hall.
Other musical highlights include Britain's best loved diva, Jane McDonald as well as Paul Carrack, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Barbara Dickson. Toyah Willcox makes a riotous return as The Devil Queen in Vampires Rock, The Illegal Eagles take it to the limit with their recreation of all the Eagles classics, and look out Dancing Queens! Björn Again is back in Perth Concert Hall in February.
Four of Scotland's finest fiddlers aka Fiddlers Bid are joined by Russian fiddling act Koshka in an electric Home and Away event in Perth Concert Hall in April. Internationally renowned super group Jethro Tull bring their excellent musicianship to Perth Concert Hall in March.
In Perth Theatre, the season continues with former Blake's Seven star Gareth Thomas taking on the role of a brilliant yet unstable mathematician in a Horsecross production of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Proof. Catherine is taking tentative steps towards life on her own following her father's death - but much of his madness, or genius, will she inherit? Polly Teale's stage adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre gets the Horsecross treatment in March with Ian Grieve directing an intense production of the classic coming-of-age story blending passion, romance and suspense.
Sarah Jayne Dunn (Hollyoaks) and Corrie's Rupert Hill say "yes, yes, yes" to Perth Theatre in February in the delightful stage version of the movie classic When Harry met Sally. Opera della Luna is back in April with a production of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera HMS Pinafore.
Perth remains firmly on the tour map for the cream of the crop of comedians with 2010 sell out shows including Rhod Gilbert, Dara O Briain and Frankie Boyle. Stephen K Amos, Russell Kane and Pam Ayres and a host of up and coming acts complete the new season's laughter line-up.
The Monday Night Thing continues in the intimate environs of Redrooms at Perth Theatre showcasing the best of folk, jazz and comedy. And with puppetry, snooker, chess displays, fashion shows, lectures, events, films, art exhibitions and community join-ins also on the go, a warm welcome awaits all in Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre this winter.
For full listings information and to book tickets call Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031, or visit www.horsecross.co.uk.