Henry brings light music to the masses through his new orchestra which is playing for the first time at The Stag
A NEW orchestra, formed to fill what the founder believes is a much-needed gap in the market for light music which is often overlooked in favour of its more famous classical cousins, is about to makes its debut in Sevenoaks.
Henry Desmond, the man behind the project, is passionate about light music and has assembled The Henry Desmond Orchestra. His aim is to bring the huge repertoire of show tunes and orchestral scores which accompany big block buster films to a wider audience.
Henry has been involved in music and theatre since an early age, playing piano and organ and acquiring his conducting skills from his mentor, Paul Showell, a well-known conductor and répétiteur. Henry has been musical director for such shows as Sister Act, Flint Street Nativity, and The Royal British Legion’s commemorative concert to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War, as well as countless Christmas extravaganzas.
The inaugural concert for The Henry Desmond Orchestra – Welcome To The Stage – is taking place on 6 April 2019 at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks. The 30 members of the orchestra will be joined by five singers who are making waves in show business.
The singers are Genevieve Nicole, who has recently been touring in the hit show Hairspray as well as getting rave reviews in the Southwark Playhouse production of Pippin; Elissa Churchill, whose outstanding voice as already been heard at the London Palladium; Charlotte Wakefield, already twice nominated for an Olivier Award, and who’s just recently been seen in Heathers at The Theatre Royal, Haymarket as well as on tour with the smash hit Crazy For You; William Desmond, an award-winning young singing-actor who has just recorded a new musical theatre piece, The Dreamers at Abbey Road Studios, and rising star Nadim Naaman whose credits include Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Rolf in The Sound of Music at The London Palladium, appearances at Glyndebourne and on television with Gareth Malone as well as the country’s leading backing choir, Capital Voices.
Bringing all of this talent together as director is Summer Strallen who has been involved in stage shows such as The Sound of Music, Love Never Dies, Guys & Dolls and The Boyfriend, as well as appearing in Hollyoaks.
Henry Desmond is committed to charity work, and two organisations are two very close to his heart. These are The Royal Theatrical Fund and Acting for Others, who help raise awareness of mental health issues within the performing arts, something the orchestra is keen to champion. These charities will benefit greatly from funds produced by the orchestra’s performances.
Book your tickets for 6 April through The Stag Theatre website at: www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk
Or call the box office on: 01732 450175
For more information visit on the Henry Desmond Orchestra go to: www.henrydesmondorchestra.co.uk
You can also follow them on Twitter @hdesmondorch and Instagram @hdesmondorch
