Although a warm mid-summer’s eve may feel incredibly far away as Britain shivers through the cold winter, plans for the 2019 Castle Howard Proms (Saturday 3 August 2019) are well underway, with the two guest soloists now confirmed. Best-selling tenor Wynne Evans will be joining North Yorkshire’s own operatic soprano, Sarah Fox for the North’s most prestigious al fresco Proms event.
Wynne Evans is a best-selling classical artist, with his debut album with Warner Music going straight to number one in the classical charts. His acclaimed performance in the 25th anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera, and appearances in a host of concerts at the Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Opera North have made him an incredibly popular live performer, whilst he is also well known for his decade in the recurring role as Gio Compario in a series of TV adverts.
Wynne last performed at Castle Howard Proms in 2014, and comments: “I’m delighted to be returning for the Castle Howard Proms, it’s always such a spectacular evening, and I’m looking forward to performing again in August.”
Giggleswick born-and-bred Sarah Fox will be hitting the high notes in the concert. 2019 will be her first time at Castle Howard, but she is no stranger to the Proms, having performed in the BBC MGM Prom in 2009 and The Proms in 2011. Sarah has taken her vocal talents around the world, with leading operatic roles in Germany, Barcelona and Cincinnati.
The rousing musical accompaniment to the evening will be provided by the London Gala Orchestra under the baton of Stephen Bell, and the compère for the evening is Phil Seymour, who is both the master of ceremonies for World Snooker and World of Sport Wrestling. Warm-up acts will also perform as the thousands of concert goers set up deckchairs, picnics and sometimes even dining tables with silver platters candelabra on the North Front lawns of the historic house, which gently slope down towards the lakeside-stage – a natural amphitheatre for the grand performance.
“This is a fantastic line-up for this year’s event, and it is wonderful to have Wynne returning after a very warm reception five years ago,” comments promoter and event organiser, Mark Harrison. “The Castle Howard Proms always provides a night to remember, and we’re looking forward to bringing back traditional favourites such as the Spitfire flypast at the start of the evening, as well as a stunning fireworks and laser show to bring the evening to a close.”
The concert is slightly earlier in 2019 to previous years, as the enormous BBC Countryfile Live event will be taking over the grounds from 15 – 18 August. Tickets for the Proms have also gone on sale earlier than normal, with strong ticket sales and an enhanced VIP ticket – which includes a champagne reception and dedicated seating – also proving popular.
Tickets for Castle Howard Proms are available until 31 March 2019 at the early-bird price of £33 per adult and £5 per child. Click here for further information and to book your tickets.