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21 January 2005
"Daily Express"
"The Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra's production of The Food of Love, an extravaganza
of classical music and Shakespearean speeches, has proved so popular that
it is soon to move to a West End theatre. British uber-stars Patrick
Stewart and Dame Judi Dench are set to take the leads in this specially
created event. For details of the new show watch this space."
A Special Thanks to Connie E, USA, for sharing
this news
Sandra P's account of the evening ...
Tonight I went
to the Cadogan Hall in London which is the new home of the Royal
Philharmonic
Orchestra. The Concert was called "The Food of Love" and was based
around Shakespeare and his
works. The music came from scores that were written for various
theatre and cinema productions of his plays. Interspersed with the
music were speeches from the various plays as well as anecdotes and quotes
from reviews. These were provided by Dame Judi and Patrick Stewart
(who does a very good
impersonation of Sir John Gielgud). The speeches from the plays all
referred to music in some way.
Most of the music was written by Nigel Hess (who was the conductor) and
there were pieces by
Purcell and of course Sir William Walton (the finale of the first half was
the overture to the Olivier version of Henry V)..
There were some very amusing references to critics reviews of various
productions. One
which Patrick Stewart read was a review of the1961 production of "A
Midsummer Night's Dream"
at the Old Vic. It referred to a scene with a fight between Hermia
and Helena which apparently
the director had made (in the critic's opinion) a kind of rugby match with
Lysander and Demetrius trying to pull the fighting women apart. The
reviewer remarked that with her speed and agility Judi Dench could
well play Fly-Half for the England team. (For those who don't understand
rugby - fly half is a position that a fast player would be put into.)
In all it was a wonderful evening and when Dame Judi said that immortal
line "If music be the food of love..." we all knew that the evening was
coming to an end.
After several bows beautiful bouquets were presented to Dame Judi and one
of the soloist singers.
I must say she looked wonderful in a simple black trouser suit over a
sleeveless black blouse set of with a red scarf with appliqué, beads and
sequins, over her left shoulder.
The RPO do record some of their concerts - lets hope this is one of them.
Thanks to Sandra P, UK, for sharing this
with us
The Food of Love
Sunday 16 January 2005 7.00pm
Cadogan Hall, London
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Webpage for this event
A glittering evening of
Shakespearean music, verse and anecdote.
This unique theatrical
evening hosted by Dame Judi Dench and Patrick Stewart will include
well-known speeches and dialogues from many of Shakespeare's plays,
accompanied by music by Nigel Hess, Henry Purcell, Stephen Warbeck and
Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Conductor - Nigel Hess
Presented by Dame Judi Dench
and Patrick Stewart
Baritone - Michael Dore
Soprano - Olive Simpson
Metro Voices
Burntwood School Girls Choir
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