Opera’s “coolest soprano” is helping to raise money for Buxton Opera House at a special gala, One Night Only, promoted by the High Sheriff of Derbyshire on February 16. The "cool" one is world-class singer Danielle de Niese, who will perform alongside enormously popular tenor Nicky Spence.
De Niese gained her descriptor courtesy of the New York Times magazine and has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and on opera stages across the world.
Nicky Spence won a scholarship to the Guildhall school at 17 – their youngest-ever singer. He has since appeared with the Hallé under Sir Mark Elder, at the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Opera House, the Opéra de Lyon and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
The soloists will be joined by the North West’s oldest professional orchestra, the Northern Chamber Orchestra conducted by John Andrews, and the Kinder Chorus – the High Peak’s own choir.
This musical event will raise funds for essential backstage improvements at the famous Frank Matcham-designed Buxton theatre.
Louise Potter, High Sheriff of Derbyshire said: “I want to play a positive part in highlighting the outstanding heritage in our beautiful county. I’m delighted to be working with Buxton Opera House on this fundraising event.”
The chief executive of Buxton Opera House – Paul Kerryson – formerly of Manchester's Library Theatre and Oldham Coliseum before running what became Leicester's Curve, added: “The Buxton Opera House is the jewel in Derbyshire’s crown, and one of Buxton International Festival’s key venues, attracting an array of international artists. We urgently need to improve our backstage facilities and bring them up to date. We’re very grateful to be working with the High Sheriff and her team on what promises to be an amazing show.”
Info and tickets here