Rare orchestral pieces are rediscovered and celebrated at Mencap’s The Lost Proms » Communities » 24dash.com

Rare orchestral pieces are rediscovered and celebrated at Mencap’s The Lost Proms

Classical music fans in London are in for a rare treat this June when the original manuscript of George Gershwin’s finest work, Rhapsody No. 2, is performed for the first time in the Capital – over 70 years after the original orchestration made its debut in 1931 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

This premiere London performance is just one of the highlights of The Lost Proms - two nights of rarely performed classical music taking place at Cadogan Hall on 3 and 4 June 2008, in aid of UK learning disability charity Mencap.

Money raised from these exclusive music events will go to the Mencap Arts Awards scheme, which enables children with a learning disability to take part in local arts projects, helping them to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

The Lost Proms will feature the New London Orchestra directed by Ronald Corp and celebrated soloists Catherine Bott and Jack Gibbons, performing long lost classics alongside more well known compositions.

Be transported back in time to 1900's London to the magic and joviality of Edwardian Operettas many of which ran for years on end, just like today's West End shows. On 3 June the acclaimed soprano Catherine Bott joins the New London Orchestra to reintroduce audiences to Monckton's forgotten songs. Keeping the mood light and cheerful, the concert also features Kabalevsky's Comedians Suite and Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile - bringing together a unique and rarely heard concert programme.

Virtuoso pianist, Jack Gibbons, will lead a celebration of predominantly American music on the second night (4 June), featuring the premiere London performance of Gershwin's original orchestration of his Rhapsody No. 2, described by Koussevitsky as “masterful”. American composer Roy Harris’s Symphony No. 3 also gets a rare outing.

Vanessa Longley, head of fundraising at Mencap, said: “The Lost Proms will be a prom night like no other, featuring rarely-heard musical masterpieces. It’s the proms with a twist. We are delighted that the New London Orchestra and such talented guest soloists are supporting Mencap’s work.”

Ronald Corp, founder and conductor of the New London Orchestra, said: “The Lost Proms is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate musical masterpieces that have been neglected and are now rediscovered.”

Catherine Bott said: "It'll be a great pleasure to perform this rarely-heard
music in such a splendid hall - and all for a really worthwhile cause."

Jack Gibbons said: “It’ll be the first time a London audience will hear the original score of Gershwin’s Rhapsody No. 2 – I’m honoured and excited to be involved.”

Tickets for the Lost Proms are priced at £20, £40 and £50 and can be purchased at www.cadoganhall.com or by calling 020 7730 4500.