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A 120-strong symphony orchestra will take to the stage to lead the music at what is being described as “The Greatest Show of Them All”. “Music on Fire!” is being staged at The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on the 9th and 10th July, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund’s 60th anniversary.
Major Sir Michael Parker, the mastermind behind HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations has revealed the content of his latest musical spectacular with Woolwich based, The Royal Artillery Band, headlining at the event.
Founded in 1762 and consisting of only eight musicians who were proficient on both wind and string instruments, The Royal Artillery Band is now recognised as the oldest established orchestra in Great Britain and one of the few ensembles within military music able to perform as a symphony orchestra and symphonic wind band.
Sir Michael said: “Those attending will be treated to a musical feast based on the theme “A Century on Fire!” – performers alongside The Royal Artillery Band include; The Guards Massed Band, fanfare trumpets from the Household Cavalry, Pipers from the Scots Guards Association and The Eton and Windsor Choral Society with over 200 participants. They will play a wonderful variety of music, all conducted by Major Andrew Chatburn from the Irish Guards.”
The music will range from popular classical to contemporary themes, featuring a wide variety of moods, which will alternate from celebration to commemoration and back again. But the real spectacular will be the fantastic display of fireworks accompanied by massive projected images, pyrotechnics and special effects; even better than in the show Sir Michael and his team put on at the Palace.
Sir Michael adds: “ “Music on Fire!” creates a unique opportunity for people to visit The Royal Military Academy’s beautiful grounds, as they’re not normally open to members of the public.”
Whilst picnicking on the spectacular lawns of the Academy, the 13,000 strong audience will be taken on a musical journey, with songs ranging from “Carmina Burana” and “World War I and II popular songs”, to the rock and roll classic “Great Balls of Fire!”, a “Glen Miller” compilation and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu” to name but a few!
Joanna Lumley who launched “Music on Fire!” at the Royal Hospital Chelsea said: “ “Music on Fire!” promises to be an absolutely fabulous event, sensational fun – please do all come!”
The Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s National Charity, was founded in 1944 shortly after D-Day when it provided support for the 4.5 million men and women who had served their country during the Second World War as they returned to civilian life. Its objective in its 60th year is to raise the profile of the organisation, as well as raise much needed funds in order to continue providing assistance to serving and retired members of the Army.
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE, Controller of the Army Benevolent Fund said: “ “Music on Fire!” is an important national event and will be of great importance to the local community surrounding Sandhurst. I very much hope that everyone will support the Army Benevolent Fund’s efforts to raise as much money as possible for this truly worthwhile cause.”
To book tickets please call the Box Office and credit card hotline in: 020 8675 3582 / 020 8675 3564 and for a sneak preview of the show visit: www.musiconfire.com. | 
