The National Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of composer and conductor Debbie Wiseman OBE, is set to perform as part of the 2020 edition of The Edwardian Pageant at Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Gracing the grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of 14th, 15th, and 16th May, The Edwardian Pageant will see more than 500 performers and 400 horses taking part in what is set to be a truly unique production.
As a celebration of King Edward VII’s life and reign, The Edwardian Pageant showcases equestrian, musical, military and motoring displays from around the world. The National Symphony Orchestra, a 45-piece orchestra conducted by Wiseman, will be joined by a choir of top principals from London’s West End Theatre to perform medleys of well-known songs.
They will be demonstrating their special relationship, which has seen them share an impressive recorded catalogue for film and television, as well as many live concerts.
The evening will take ticket holders on a remarkable journey through The Edwardian Era, a time that was hugely influential for classical music. Pieces from British composer and musical icon Sir Edward Elgar will be performed throughout the Pageant.
Sir Elgar’s music, which is full of dignity, pride and nobility, perfectly captures the Edwardian Era, and some of his most famous works, including the Pomp and Circumstance Marches and the Enigma Variations, were composed during this time.
The Pageant gives guests the opportunity to witness a variety of pieces, such as Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March” and “Salut D’Amour”, “Nimrod” from the Enigma Variations, Parry’s “Jerusalem”, Holst’s “I Vow to Thee My Country” and “Dambuster’s March.”
The performance will be accompanied by brass instruments, strings, wind players and percussionists, all playing their part in presenting the much-loved classics from the Edwardian Era. Along with new pieces written especially for this occasion by The Pageant’s appointed composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE.
Wiseman said: “I’ve always admired The Pageant Series and I was lucky enough to be involved last year and feel very honoured to be invited back. It is truly a wonderful event that celebrates the best of British history and brings together acts from all over the world in the amazing setting that is Windsor Castle.”
Show Director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Debbie and The National Symphony Orchestra for the 2020 edition of The Pageant. Their work is immensely admired by audiences across the UK, and we know they will bring a unique dimension to the performance.
“Classical music had a significant role during the Edwardian Era with the rise of Promenade Concerts, and we hope the collaboration between Debbie and The National Symphony Orchestra will bring this aspect of the era to life.”
The Edwardian Pageant is set to be an exceptional spectacle, with the event being staged by the same BAFTA award-winning team that produced HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration.
The 90-minute celebration will welcome 12,000 spectators across the three nights and will culminate in a magnificent flag-waving Proms finale featuring performers, horses, musicians and much more.
Tickets for The Edwardian Pageant are now available online at www.windsorpageant.co.uk or via the box office on 0844 581 0755. Local Windsor residents may purchase their tickets at Windsor Information Centre located in Windsor Royal Shopping or by telephone at 01753 743 589.
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