Milton Keynes City Orchestra Concert- Tomorrow Night

Tomorrow, you'll be well and truly in for a treat with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra. Conductor Damian Iorio has a great night in store for a great musical start to the new year, with music including Mozart: Overture to Magic Flute, Sibelius: Symphony no. 3 and Brahms: Symphony no.1.

Starting at 7.30pm at Milton Keynes Theatre and ending around 10pm, it's a great opportunity to enjoy an uplifting and beautiful concert with family and friends.

Conductor Damian Iorio began his career as a violinist, and studied conducting in Russia before his first major role as Artistic director and chief conductor of the philharmonic orchestra of Murmansk. There he played a large role in sparking the growth of the orchestra in opera and concert. He has since travelled the world, conducting performances with some of the most celebrated orchestras in many great concert halls and theatres. Tomorrow night you can see for yourselves the skill of Damian and of the Milton Keynes Orchestra, as he conducts them in a repertoire chosen to showcase their musical talents and professionalism.

A night not to be missed, tickets start at £10, click here to book.

Saturday- Local Christmas events

Yesterday we mentioned the Milton Keynes Museum's Victorian Christmas weekend, and on top of that, today we've got a whole selection of activities that are happening in the area this Saturday for you to enjoy.

All Saints Church Christmas Market and Bazaar: 10.30am-1pm @ Turvey Village Hall.

A great selection of Christmas treats, including preserves, artisan handicrafts, books, raffle, cakes, stationary, toys, plants and bulbs, jewellery, Christmas wreaths, cards and table decorations. There'll be fun for the kids too, with face painting, games and activities for all the family to enjoy. Homemade soup and rustic bread will be served from 11.45am. Admission is 50p for adults and children go free. All proceeds go to All Saints Church, Turvey.

Christmas Cracker: 2-4.30pm @ All Saints' Church, Loughton.

There will be a great variety on offer, including: Gifts and games for Christmas, vintage jewellery and handbags, handmade crafts, raffle, Father Christmas, children's competitions, cakes, books and Fairtrade products. Festive refreshments and mulled wine will be available.

Milton Keynes City Orchestra: 6-7.30pm @ Church of St Peter and St Paul, Newport Pagnell.

A programme of festive music, including classic Christmas favourites and traditional carols. The City orchestra brass will be joined by the Polymnia Choir, fresh from their European engagements, for a glorious musical celebration to mark the start of the Christmas countdown. Tickets cost £12 (no concessions)

Family Christmas Social: 6.45pm of 7pm start @ Lavendon Village Hall. 

There'll be fun for all the family, including an illusionist, fun and games, a two-course meal and a sing-song. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets are £14 for adults and £7 for children over 10.

Olney Brass Christmas Concert: 7.30pm @ St Peter and St Paul's church, Olney. 

Come along for some festive tunes and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets are available on the door and cost £6 for adults, £5 for seniors and £2.50 for children.

Cheese and Wine party: 7.30pm @ Westbury Grange, Newport Pagnell.

Tickets cost £6 and include your first drink, butter, quizzes and singalong. All are welcome!

MK proms in the Park- Soloists announced

Over 1500 tickets have already been sold for the upcoming Proms in the Park at Campbell Park next Friday 15th August. It's set to be a great evening of entertainment presented by the parks Trust and Milton Keynes Orchestra, with uplifting music, fireworks and fizz.

The soloists have now been announced, and under the baton of MKCO, founder Hilary Davan Wetton, the Orchestra will be joined on stage by two wonderful soloists. These will be: James Cleverton, a baritone who is in great demand across the globe and has sung in well-known roles in operatic productions and in concert for spectacular concerts in locations including the Royal Albert Hall and other key venues. Also, soprano Emily Haig will be performing, who was at the MK Proms last year and wowed the crowds with her beautiful voice and charming performance. 

James will perform the witty Largo al factotum from the Barber of Seville and the rousing Toreador song from Carmen. Emily will r perform Vissi d’arte from Tosca and You’ll never walk alone from Carousel. They will duet in the seductive La ci darem la mano from Don Giovanni and lead the chorus of Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

The Orchestra will play the classic Dambusters march and the Can Can, to name just two, and there will be a fantastic firework display to end the night. It's definitely one not to be missed! Look out for another blog coming your way onThursday with more information.