US singer-songwriter John Grant, electronic dance group Clean Bandit (pictured) and 80s pop stars Culture Club are among the acts on the line-up for this year’s BBC Philharmonic Presents… series.
Now in its third edition, the programme sees the Salford-based orchestra play alongside pop performers, with the concerts broadcast across seven of the BBC’s national radio networks.
BBC Philharmonic Presents… 2014, which takes place from 10 September to 17 October, features newcomers as well as established artists, and aims to present orchestral music in many guises.
BBC Philharmonic general manager Simon Webb said: ‘Following successful BBC Philharmonic Presents… performances in 2011 and 2012, the series returns this year …with an outstanding line-up of varied and imaginative collaborations across our national radio networks. This range and variety is a key element to the BBC Philharmonic’s work that we’re looking forward to sharing with audiences across the board.’
Highlights of the programme include a brand new orchestral arrangement based on Clean Bandit’s recent debut album, New Eyes. Culture Club will revisit its seminal album, Colour by Numbers. Singer-songwriter John Grant will perform with the orchestra for BBC Radio 6 Music; and BBC Asian Network will celebrate the music of Indian film composer RD Burman.
The series will conclude with a poignant reflection on World War One, as the memories of a local Salford man are set to music and performed live on BBC Radio Manchester.
Bob Shennan, director of BBC Music, added: ‘These unique collaborations will bring together the internationally renowned BBC Philharmonic and globally acclaimed artists, showcasing some wonderfully diverse music to our audiences and engaging listeners across the country through our national radio networks. There will be something for everyone.’
Performers in previous years have included Sheffield singer Richard Hawley and electro act The xx.
