THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAD BY DEBBIE WISEMAN OBE TO PERFORM IN THE ‘EDWARDIAN PAGEANT’ AT ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW
The National Symphony Orchestra, under the inspirational leadership of composer and conductor Debbie Wiseman OBE, is set to perform as part of the 2020 edition of The Edwardian Pageant at Royal Windsor Horse Show. Gracing the grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of 14th, 15th, 16th May, The Edwardian Pageant will see more than 500 performers and 400 horses taking part in what is set to be a truly unique production.
As a celebration of King Edward VII’s life and reign, The Edwardian Pageant showcases equestrian, musical, military and motoring displays from around the world. The National Symphony Orchestra; a 45-piece orchestra, conducted by Wiseman, will be joined by a choir of top principals from London’s West End Theatre to perform medleys of well-known songs, demonstrating their special relationship, which has seen them share an impressive recorded catalogue for film and television, as well as many live concerts.
The evening will take ticket holders on a remarkable journey through The Edwardian Era, a time that was hugely influential for classical music. Pieces from British composer and musical icon Sir Edward Elgar will be showcased throughout The Pageant. Sir Elgar’s music which is full of dignity, pride and nobility has been said to have perfectly captured the Edwardian Era and some of his most famous works including the Pomp and Circumstance Marches and the Enigma Variations were composed during this time.
The Pageant gives guests the opportunity to witness a variety of pieces, such as Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March” and “Salut D’Amour”, “Nimrod” from the Enigma Variations, Parry’s “Jerusalem”, Holst’s “I Vow to Thee My Country” and “Dambuster’s March.” The performance will be accompanied by brass instruments, strings, wind players and percussionists, all playing their part in presenting the much-loved classics from the Edwardian Era, as well as brand-new pieces written especially for this occasion by The Pageant’s appointed composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE.
Wiseman said: “I’ve always admired The Pageant Series and I was lucky enough to be involved last year and feel very honoured to be invited back. It is truly a wonderful event that celebrates the best of British history and brings together acts from all over the world in the amazing setting that is Windsor Castle.”
Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Debbie and The National Symphony Orchestra for the 2020 edition of The Pageant. Their work is immensely admired by audiences across the UK and we know they will bring a unique dimension to the performance.
“Classical music had a significant role during the Edwardian Era with the rise of Promenade Concerts and we hope the collaboration between Debbie and The National Symphony Orchestra will bring this aspect of the era to life.”
The Edwardian Pageant is set to be an exceptional spectacle, with the event being staged by the same BAFTA award-winning team who produced HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration. The 90-minute celebration will welcome 12,000 spectators across the three nights and will culminate in a magnificent flag waving Proms finale, featuring performers, horses, musicians and much more.
Tickets for The Edwardian Pageant are now available online at www.windsorpageant.co.uk or via the box office on 0844 581 0755. Local Windsor residents may purchase their tickets at Windsor Information Centre located in Windsor Royal Shopping or by telephone on 01753 743 589
The Edwardian Pageant
The Edwardian Pageant at Royal Windsor Horse Show will take place on the evenings of 14-16 May 2020. This joins The Pageant Series at Royal Windsor, which over the years has included All The Queen’s Horses (2002), Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo (2008 to 2011), The Diamond Jubilee Pageant (2012), HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration (2016) and The Victorian Pageant (2019). The 2020 show will celebrate the Edwardian era using 500 participants and over 400 horses. The Pageant is a not-for-profit event, any surplus will be donated to charitable causes. The event, which takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, is organised by Windsor Equestrian Promotions Ltd, as part of HPower Group, also organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show and Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.
Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Show will take place from 13-17 May 2020. Over 55,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show, which offers its audience an extensive programme of first-class equestrian competition and performances in five arenas. The displays in the main Castle Arena include The Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Musical Drive of The King’s Troop RHA, The DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Land Rover Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 220 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. Her Majesty The Queen has attended every year since the Show started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by Windsor Equestrian Promotions Ltd, as part of HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk