Featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra, this cleverly narrated show about the key musicians of the big band era includes music from Harry James • Benny Goodman • Tommy Dorsey • Duke Ellington • Glenn Miller • Count Basie • Woody Herman & Buddy Rich.

The History of the Big Bands is the World’s Greatest Big Band and Swing Show – performed the way it should be!

For full details and tour dates please visit www.historyofthebigbands.com

Mercedes Benz World Summer Concert Series
Sunday, 04 July 2010
at Mercedes Benz World, Weybridge, Surrey
More details

Grand Prix Ball 2010
Wednesday, 07 July 2010
at The Hurlingham Club, London
More details

The Glasgow Show 2010
Saturday, 31 July 2010
at Glasgow Green, Glasgow
More details

Saturday Night Kitchen Live
Saturday, 31 July 2010
at Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, College Green, Bristol
Raising funds to support the Princes Trust
More details

Crewe Carnival
Saturday, 28 August 2010
King George V Playing Fields, Crewe
More details

Darius Campbell has announced he will be performing in The O2′s first opera, Raymond Gubbay’s spectacular production of Carmen. This will be Darius’ first major operatic role since he won ITV’s Popstar to Operastar. Darius will undertake the principal role of Escamillo on Sunday 23rd May at 2.30pm, whose world famous aria Song of the Toreador he sang in Popstar to Operastar, captivating millions of viewers.

Over 200 performers including dancers, acrobats, fire eaters and the wonderful Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will bring to life the dusty atmosphere of the town square, the cool night air of the smugglers’ mountain hideout, and the colourful festivities outside the bullring in Seville. Directed by David Freeman, founder of The Opera Factory and whose previous credits include Madam Butterfly, Tosca and Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall, this production of Bizet’s masterpiece comes to The O2 on a never seen before spectacular scale.

Darius commented: “It’s an absolute privilege to undertake the role of Escamillo in Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding. This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started. I want to personally thank Raymond and the rest of the production for allowing me to be part of what will no doubt be an incredible experience for all concerned, both cast and audience.”

Raymond Gubbay, impresario and classical music promoter, added: “It is a great pleasure to be welcoming Darius to this exciting project for his debut operatic performance. I watched Darius’s progress on Popstar to Operastar with great interest. To move from pop to opera is hugely ambitious but I know Darius’ passion and dedication to this project will result in a very fine performance as Escamillo. We will be fully supporting him and I look forward to seeing his career develop.”

Sung in English, Bizet’s unforgettable score contains some of opera’s finest arias and best loved music. The beguiling Seguidilla, the tantalising Habanera and the enchanting Flower Song – sensual music that perfectly captures the very essence of Spain. Conducted by Gareth Hancock, this world class company of singers, musicians and artists, together with a spectacular set and lavish costumes, will provide an unforgettable and epic production of Carmen.

The principle roles will be shared by Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole (as Carmen), John Hudson and Philip O’Brien (as Don Jose) with Kevin Greenlaw and Darius Campbell (as Escamillo).

The production is designed by David Roger whose previous credits include operas for English National Opera, Opera North and the Kirov; lighting by multi Tony Award winning Andrew Bridge (Phantom of the Opera, Fosse, Sunset Boulevard); choreographed by Robert North (former Artistic Director of Ballet Rambert, Teatro Regio (Torino) and Scottish Ballet) with sound design by Bobby Aitken and English translation by the acclaimed Amanda Holden.

This is The O2’s second collaboration with Raymond Gubbay after the hugely popular ‘Christmas Spectacular’ in December.

Performances of Carmen are:-

Friday 21 May @ 7.30pm
Saturday 22 May @ 7.30pm
Sunday 23 May @ 2.30pm (with Darius Campbell as Escamillo)

Tickets are available via www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202. Tickets are priced between £25 and £60 with a Gold Circle ticket at £95 which includes a complimentary souvenir programme. All tickets are subject to booking fees.

More details at www.mbwsummerconcerts.com
Ticket Info

The venue is Lower courtyard, The Market Building, Covent Garden, London.

The charity event is in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

www.coventgardenlondonuk.com

The charity event is in aid of Leukaemia and Myloma Research and Action Medical Research.

www.concertinthesquare.com

Thank you everyone SO MUCH for voting for me over the past 6 weeks, it has been amazing, and you will hear more from me very soon so keep posted, follow me on twitter and facebook to keep up to date with all my TV appearances and maybe even more in the next few months!

It’s Darius here, writing from the Popstar to Operastar studios where I’m about to do the dress rehearsal for week 4… Thank you to all those who have been watching and voting- your support is deeply appreciated!

Tonight I’ll be singing an Aria from The Marriage of Figaro, I’ve had Tom Baker make me a great suit, and I’m making some last minute alterations of my own so I can fit into what is a really challenging song!

I hope you enjoy tonight’s show ;o)

Darius

This whole experience has opened my eyes to how tough and all consuming opera is and I have complete and utter respect for everyone connected to it. I’m excited and nervous in equal measures about my next performance but hopefully you’ll all enjoy it and pick up the phone and vote for me! Just want to get on with it now and get through to next week, fingers crossed. Thanks again for all your support so far. D x