Based on a Conception of Jerome Robbins
Book by Arthur Laurents Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International Europe
Gemma Summerfield – Maria
John Porter – Tony
Soloists from Guildhall School of Music, London
Mark Powell – director
Timothy Redmond – conductor
with
Bath Philharmonia
WMC Chorus
Michael Daniels – chorusmaster
Selwood Academy, Frome
Mead Academy, Trowbridge
We present a concert performance of one of the greatest of all musicals in Leonard Bernstein’s anniversary year. This retelling of the story of Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York with its street gangs is full of amazing songs such as Somewhere, Maria and America.
We have assembled a remarkable set of forces working in partnership with Wiltshire Music Centre.
The lead roles are taken by two fantastic young singers. Gemma Summerfield is a winner of the distinguished Kathleen Ferrier Prize and John Porter who has a fast developing operatic career. Performers also include a set of exciting young singers from the Guildhall School of Music, a community choir of adults the brilliant Bath Philharmonia under the baton of Timothy Redmond. The performance builds on a visionary large scale children’s project designed around the timeless themes of West Side Story and its fantastic music.
A thrilling evening of great numbers to send you singing out into the night.
‘The music of “West Side Story” is by Leonard Bernstein, and it is superb’ NEW YORK DAILY NEWS (review of the 1957 premiere)
Gemma Summerfield – ‘a show stopper – pure vocal champagne’ TELEGRAPH
