Opera Holland Park has teamed up with Notting Hill Carnival, bringing calypso, steelpan and Caribbean jazz to the theatre for three concerts on 19, 20 and 21 August.
Featured artists and ensembles in the series include the Mangrove and Ebony Steelbands, Leon ‘Foster’ Thomas, Alexander D Great and Trinidadian opera singer, Anne Fridal in what is being called Carnival Culture in the Park.
It brings together two of West London’s most well-loved musical institutions in celebration of the resilience of live music with the Kensington and Chelsea Festival. Performances start at 7.30pm. All tickets will be priced at £10, and are on sale from 12pm on Wednesday 28 July.
James Clutton, Chief Executive and Director of Opera at Opera Holland Park, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Notting Hill Carnival to Opera Holland Park. At a time when all companies need to think creatively and imaginatively, and to work more closely in partnerships, it is great to have our friends and neighbours taking a short residency in the creative hub that is Opera Holland Park.”
Matthew Phillip, Chief Executive of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Opera Holland Park to bring together two great musical cultures and create these amazing shows. Each night will bring something different and unique that will allow the audience to experience the music they love as they have never heard it before.”
Classic Calypso.
19 August at 7.30pm
Featuring Giselle Carter, G String, Helena B and Alexander D Great with a six-piece acoustic band of
keyboards, guitar, congas, bass, drums and clarinet, Classic Calypso celebrates the wit, humour and
soul of the UK Calypso scene.
Pan in the Park
20 August at 7.30pm
The celebrated Mangrove and Ebony Steelbands trace a journey from classic to contemporary steelpan
music, joining forces to accompany the Trinidadian diva Anna Fridal in new arrangements of operatic
arias.
Pan Jazz
21 August at 7.30pm
An evening of Caribbean Jazz from the Engine Room Collective, with steelpan virtuosi Andre White,
Leon ‘Foster’ Thomas, Samuel Dubois, Carlene Etienne and Deborah Eden.
For more information and tickets, visit: www.operahollandpark.com/productions/carnival-culture-in-thepark
