Royal Philharmonic Orchestra brings double-o-heaven to Royal & Derngate in Northampton next month

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will return to Northampton s Royal & Derngate in June, it has been announced.

Two concerts will take place. On Wednesday June 16, music lovers can enjoy Spotlight on Strings, while on Wednesday June 23, The Music of Bond will celebrate legendary film themes from the 007 movies . Both will concerts will play to a socially-distanced audience.

The Strings of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Duncan Riddell, will welcome audiences back to the Derngate auditorium with an exquisite 75-minute concert performing a selection of well-loved pieces.

Grieg’s popular Holberg Suite is supremely crafted, based on eighteenth-century dance forms, while Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No.10 displays a touch of his sensitive style. Tchaikovsky’s sublime Serenade for Strings completes the programme with the perfect showcase for the luscious sounds of the RPO’s strings.

James Williams, managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra said: “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is excited to be returning to its resident home at Royal & Derngate on 16 June for its first performance as part of the theatre’s reopening programme.

"Audiences will once again be able to experience the joy and magic of hearing a concert live but safe in the knowledge that stringent COVID-19 protocols are in place for audience and the performers to maintain everyone’s safety.

"This performance features music by familiar names such as Grieg and Mendelssohn and a personal favourite of mine, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for string orchestra which abounds with joyous melodies and buoyant rhythms. We look forward to welcoming you to share once again the thrill of live music”.

At The Music of Bond concert, audiences will enjoy iconic theme songs and thrilling Bond anthems from over 50 years of box office blockbusters as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra takes them to double-0-heaven!

The concert features music from Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, From Russia With Love, Skyfall, Goldeneye and Spectre to name just a few. Conducted by David Arnold, and with acclaimed vocalist Alison Jiear, musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be amplified and joined by a full rhythm section in a sensational concert.

Spotlight on Strings takes to the Derngate stage on Wednesday June 16 at 7.30pm and The Music of Bond takes place the following week, on Wednesday June 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets priced from £18* go on sale to the theatre’s Members from Thursday 6 May, with general on-sale from Saturday May 8. Customers booking for both concerts will get an extra £5 off each ticket. For more information or to book, visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call Box Office on 01604 624811.