Acclaimed trumpet virtuoso Aaron Azunda Akugbo and celebrated harpist Milo Harper are set to perform in Harrogate next month as part of the Harrogate International Sunday Series concerts.
The duo will take to the stage at the Old Swan Hotel on March 2, offering a unique performance of their favorite duets. This collaboration has been described by The Arts Desk as “a revelatory pairing of trumpet and harp.”
Their diverse program will feature their interpretations of works by composers such as Debussy, Piazzolla, Florence Price, and Villa-Lobos, showcasing their distinctive approach to these compositions.
For over 30 years, the Harrogate International Sunday Series has delighted audiences with world-class chamber and classical music, bringing top-tier musicians to North Yorkshire. Aaron and Milo’s performance is the latest highlight in this year’s exciting lineup of Sunday morning coffee concerts.
Aaron Azunda Akugbo, born in Edinburgh and of Nigerian-Scottish descent, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and a former principal of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Citing Louis Armstrong as his greatest musical influence, Aaron made his London debut in 2020 at the Royal Festival Hall, performing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with Chineke!.
Looking ahead to the concert, Aaron shared his excitement, saying: “My goal is always to have the audience say, ‘wow! I didn’t realise the trumpet could sound like that,’ or ‘I wasn’t sure about trumpet and harp as a combination, but it really works.’ When those things are said, it feels like a job well done.”
Milo Harper, whose focus lies in celebrating the harp, has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Berlin Staatskapelle, Britten Sinfonia, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He is dedicated to curating music from both well-known and underrepresented composers to highlight the harp’s history and poetic beauty.
Milo shared his anticipation for the concert: “We’ve aimed to include a variety of music, with some truly beautiful moments alongside playful and energetic pieces, so I hope there will be something for everyone!”
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, praised the concert series: “This year’s Harrogate International Sunday Series is already a hit with audiences, and I’m confident that Aaron and Milo’s performance will continue that momentum.”
“These concerts provide a platform for some of the world’s most gifted young musicians, and Aaron and Milo are certainly part of that group. Fans of trumpet, harp, and musical brilliance in general won’t want to miss this!”
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