TIL FEB 9

4 CARLY PAOLI AND STEVEN MERCURIO VALENTINE’S CONCERT Grammy award winner, Steven Mercurio is much sought after as a conductor, composer, and orchestral arranger. Working with orchestras as celebrated as the London Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony and the Pittsburg Symphony and artists as diverse as Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli and Sting mean that this Italian-American is in huge demand across the world. London is his next port of call on Thursday 15 February at Cadogan Hall, where he will be conducting a special Valentine’s Day concert headlined by the talented young classical singer, Carly Paoli. They have worked together before. In December 2016, Mercurio conducted a concert entitled, ‘La Dolce Vita’ which was devoted to Italian film music. Carly was a special guest at that event and he is obviously delighted to be appearing with her again: ‘Carly is a lovely artist with a great talent. She is able to go across different musical genres, from pop to Musical Theatre to light classical works. She is perhaps an alternative sound to the pop world of the day.’ Abiah Music, the company behind Carly Paoli’s debut album, ‘Singing My Dreams’, presents the concert. Steven Mercurio will be conducting the Abiah Symphony Orchestra and along with Carly, there will also be some very special guests. Renowned flautist Andrea Griminelli, celebrated for his sensitive interpretations and astonishing technique, Italian tenor Federico Paciotti, who mixes opera with rock guitar and the choir, Tring Park 16, winners of the BBC Choir of the Year 2016. ‘All the artists appearing on the programme are well versed in performing varied types of music. I feel that this sort of concert helps encourage people to experience classical music. I am always eager to do events that encourage a new young audience to visit the concert hall.’ The programme for the concert goes to prove Mercurio’s words. Opera, Musical Theatre, original compositions and music you know and love will all feature. As Steven Mercurio says: ‘Diverse music beautifully played and beautifully sung. An evening of marvellous music from magnificent musicians.’ Tickets available online at the website www.cadoganhall.com or 020 7730 4500. Charlie George at The Arsenal Museum. THE ARSENAL MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS The Arsenal Museum at Emirates Stadium was re-opened last year following a complete renovation. Founded in 1886, Arsenal has an impressive history from the club’s time at Woolwich, Highbury and Emirates Stadium and the refurbished museum offers visitors the chance to take in a number of exciting exhibits. Many of the items on display were donated by former players who hold a special place in Arsenal’s history. Highlights include Jens Lehmann’s goalkeeper gloves that he wore for every league match of the unbeaten Invincibles season in 2003/4. The museum also features two impressive video theatres and twenty major displays based on Arsenal's proud history, from its formation in 1886 to the present day. These displays include a selection of iconic shirts including those worn by Alex James in 1936 FA Cup Final and the 2015 FA Cup Final shirt signed by the winning squad. Visitors can see a collection of shirts, medals and trophies from former Arsenal captain Joe Mercer and the shield commemorating the hat-trick of League Championships from 1933-1935. The self-guided tour enables visitors to explore behind-the-scenes of Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club. t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • t h i s i s l o n d o n o n l i n e