Local singer to open Shropshire Proms evening

Organisers of the Shropshire Proms concert to be held at Oswestry Showground on Friday 1 June 2012 have announced details of two support acts who will kick off the evening’s celebrations.

Local singer Libby Gliksman and New Zealander Glenn Aitken will perform ahead of a rousing Last Night of the Proms programme by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

The world-famous orchestra will perform a full programme of popular classical tunes including Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, Land of My Fathers and Land of Hope and Glory, complete with a flag-waving finale.

Taking place on the eve of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend, the Shropshire Proms will feature a children’s funfair, various food stalls and several bars on site, and culminates in a spectacular firework display.

Looking ahead to performing at the event, Libby Gliksman, who originally hails from Oswestry, said:

“I love singing and am so excited to be a part of the Osfest weekend.  I will be doing an Adele set so any Adele fans should come along!  My influences are Etta James, Dianna Krall, Joan Armatrading, Eva Cassidy and Ray Charles.  I recently performed an Adele tribute night at The Ironworks in Oswestry which was a sell out and the crowd were fantastic.”

Originally hailing from New Zealand, Glenn Aitken has been travelling around the world for the past 15 years.

Having been noticed and offered a publishing deal for his music by Sir Paul McCartney, who met Glenn while on holiday in the Maldives, Glenn moved to London in 2003 to make his dream of a career in song writing a reality.  His first single “Ordinary People” included Sir Paul McCartney on bass and follow-up “Just No” spent five weeks on the BBC Radio 2 Playlist in 2011.

Leader of Shropshire Council, Keith Barrow, said:

“This promises to be a wonderful event and a fantastic way to kick-off the weekend of Jubilee celebrations.  I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to come along.”

The Shropshire Proms will take place on Friday 1 June 2012 from 6pm at The Oswestry Showground.  Tickets are priced at £25 each and £60 for a family of four.  Additional tickets for 11-16 year olds can be purchased for £10 and under 10s go free.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Severn box office on 01743 281281 or on the website www.theatresevern.co.uk