Royal Philharmonic Presents Different Voices

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra proudly presents Different Voices, a magical family concert narrated by Stephen Fry, featuring a score composed and conducted by award-winning composer Debbie Wiseman (MBE), plus an original song with lyrics by Don Black, sung by Hayley Westenra.

Wiseman (MBE), plus an original song with lyrics by Don Black, sung by Hayley Westenra.

Different Voices combines music, narration and projected illustrations (supplied by Lupus Films and Sherbet) to tell the audience a magical tale and to introduce them to the sections of an orchestra. When a beautiful park is threatened by an evil developer, the different groups of children who use the park (represented by the strings, percussion, brass and woodwind) come together in harmony to save their precious place. The piece is similar in ambition to Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, first performed over sixty years ago. The highlight of the concert is the Different Voices song, with lyrics by Don Black, which will be performed by Hayley Westenra.

Different Voices takes place on Easter Monday 9th April, 2.30pm and 4.30pm in London's newest venue Cadogan Hall, home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Award-winning composer Debbie Wiseman says: "It was a wonderful opportunity to be asked to compose a piece which introduces the sections of the orchestra to young people in a way that is relevant to them today. I love Britten's piece, but it's been performed so many times now, and this was a chance to write something new and fresh for the orchestra. It was also great fun to work with Hayley Westenra and Don Black on the Different Voices song. The song is threaded through the work and at the end of the piece the audience hear it in all its glory with the excitement of the full orchestra!"

Vocalist Hayley Westenra says: "I was thrilled to be invited to be a part of the Different Voices project and to have the opportunity to work with the very talented Debbie Wiseman and Don Black. It is also very exciting to be involved in a project that's aim is to educate children on the workings of an orchestra and perhaps inspire some of them to pick up an instrument."

Ticket prices are £20/£15 adults and £8 children, with a family ticket of £40 available. -- www.rpo.co.uk