Festival of Music and Fireworks at Tonbridge Castle has a brand new classical theme this year.

What do you think of the planned new classical theme at Tonbridge Castle's Festival of Music and Fireworks this year?  

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is working with Opera Brava to deliver three performances on 7, 8 and 9 July and tickets are now on sale. Opera Brava is a professional opera company, which specialises in touring opera performances, educational work and corporate events. Each performance at Tonbridge Castle will be in full costume and include professional singers who have sung with Covent Garden and English National Opera. 

The programme has been designed to appeal to all ages and musical tastes and during each performance audiences will be able to enjoy a picnic on the castle lawn with chairs and tables. 

Here is the programme: 

Thursday 7 July The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (starts at 7pm, gates open 5.30pm) 

Opera Brava is working with around 80 children aged 7 to 13 from a local primary school to put on this special performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. As well as learning about how to put on a production and designing and making props, the children will be rehearsing and singing so they can perform alongside the professional singers on the night. 

Friday 8 July The Magic Flute by Mozart (starts at 7.30pm, gates open 5.30pm) 

This magical performance of one of Mozart's most beautiful operas will be accompanied by an accomplished chamber ensemble of musicians. This brand new production is the perfect introduction to the world of opera. 

Saturday 9 July Candlelit Gala Concert (starts at 7.30pm, gates open at 5.30pm) 

This concert will include a host of well-known operatic gems including "Nessun Dorma" the "Lakme" duet, the "Pearl Fishers" duet, the "Rigoletto Quartet" "Largo al Factotum" from the Barber of Seville and many others. The second half will include "Champagne" from Die Fledermaus, Gershwin melodies, Bernstein's West Side story and a popular medley from the Gilbert & Sullivan operas, interspersed with informative and comic anecdotes. The evening will end with a spectacular display of fireworks to bring the festival to a close. 

Tickets 

Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.operabrava.co.uk or by calling 01444 443000 

Tickets are also available from Tonbridge Castle by visiting in person or calling 01732 770929. Special early booking discounts are available for tickets purchased before 1 May. 

Cllr Martin Coffin, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts, says: "We are very pleased to be working with Opera Brava to bring a new twist to the Tonbridge Castle Festival of Music and Fireworks this year. As well as giving young people a unique opportunity to take part in a production and discover the joy of opera, these concerts will be both irresistible to seasoned opera-goers and the perfect introduction to the world of opera for those who have never been before, at an affordable price."

It all sounds lovely to me - but are they alienating the youth audience by going classical??