The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns for a fourth year to perform next summer at the Open Air Classical Concert, at Leeds Castle, on Saturday 13th July 2013 with special guests the Military Wives Choir, returning for a second year!

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra has delighted audiences worldwide with its versatile programming, having been in constant demand for live performances and recordings of classical, light classical and popular music since its formation in 1987. The diverse nature of the RPCO’s work has taken it into a variety of settings from the traditional – concert halls, stadiums and cathedrals – to the unorthodox – racecourses, botanical gardens and train stations.

The inspiring outdoor programme welcomes back John Rigby as conductor. He began his career in Musical Theatre: in Germany, he was Musical Director for Miss Saigon at the Musical Hall, Stuttgart; and Starlight Express at the Starlight Halle Bochum; whilst West End credits include Beautiful and Damned, The Drowsy Chaperone, The King and I, The Last Empress, Marguerite, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Peter Pan, The Pirates of Penzance and The Producers. During 2012, Rigby is also Musical Supervisor for the Jesus Christ Superstar Arena and The Phantom of the Opera tours. Rigby trained at the University of Huddersfield and the Royal Northern College of Music.

The Military Wives Choir return for a second year and have performed to royalty, dignitaries and celebrities, including singing at No.10 Downing Street, the Sun Military Awards, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Stadium and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. They were keen to return to Leeds Castle after such a warm welcome from the audience in 2012.

Chris Yates of Heritage Events said, “We were so pleased the Military Wives enjoyed themselves so much they asked if they could return and we will be announcing soon who will support the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and which Military Band will be featured.”

For a second year, Chris Hollins will return as Narrator. From the USA Masters Golf to the World Cup, to Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, and more recently the Olympics, Chris Hollins is recognised as one of television’s most popular sports presenters.

Chris was the main sports reporter on BBC Breakfast from October 2005 to March 2012, on air on Monday to Thursday mornings as well as a regular co-host of the show. He is one of the presenters of BBC1’s Watchdog as well as The Food Inspectors and Cash in the Attic for BBC1 and Cash in the Celebrity Attic for BBC2. In 2011, Chris was part of the BBC team covering The Royal Wedding but is probably best known as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2009. During this summer he presented Olympic Breakfast with Sian Williams. He has a local link having graduated from Tonbridge School in 1989.

This is more than a concert, with its diverse classical orchestral programme, interwoven with specially selected choral and solo pieces and the visual spectacle of military musicians, field guns, superb fireworks and iconic aircraft displays.

For more information and to buy tickets go to www.heritageevents.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @classicalconcrt and Facebook