.png)
Acclaimed trumpet player Aaron Azunda Akugbo and renowned harpist Milo Harper take to the Harrogate stage next month as part of the Harrogate International Sunday Series concerts.
Pic Credits - Milo (Zuzanna Specjal) and Aaron (Olivia Da Costa)
The duo will perform unique arrangements of their favourite duets in a collaboration described by The Arts Desk as “a revelatory pairing of trumpet and harp” at the Old Swan Hotel on March 2.
Their brilliant and eclectic programme features their take on works by composers from Debussy and Piazzolla to Florence Price and Villa-Lobos.
For more than 30 years, the Harrogate International Sunday Series has delighted audiences by bringing world-class chamber and classical musicians to the heart of North Yorkshire, and Aaron and Milo’s performance is the latest in this year’s exciting programme of uplifting Sunday morning coffee concerts.
Born in Edinburgh and of Nigerian-Scottish descent, Aaron Azunda Akugbo is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and an ex-principal of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He cites Louis Armstrong as his biggest musical inspiration and made his London debut at the Royal Festival Hall playing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with Chineke! in 2020.
Aaron said he was looking forward to seeing the audience’s reaction. “My goal is always to have the audience say “wow! I didn’t realise the trumpet could sound like that” or “I wasn’t sure about trumpet and harp as a combination, but it really works. When those things are said, it feels like a job well done.”
Milo Harper’s focus is on celebrating the harp – thoughtfully curating music from both recognised and underrepresented composers to explore its history and poeticism. He has performed with such prestigious orchestras as the Berlin Staatskapelle, Britten Sinfonia and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Speaking ahead of the concert, Milo said: “We have tried to include a range of music, some really beautiful moments alongside playful and energetic music too, so hopefully there will be something for everyone!”
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals said: “This year’s Harrogate International Sunday Series is already proving to be a big hit with audiences and I am certain this will continue when Aaron and Milo come to town.
“These concerts provide a platform to some of the world’s most gifted young musicians and Aaron and Milo certainly fall into this category. Fans of the trumpet and harp, and fans of musical brilliance in general, will not want to miss this!”
Aaron Azunda Akugbo & Milo Harper, The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, March 2, 11am. Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.
Comments