Summer symphonic spectacular returns to Millennium Square

A spectacular fusion of energetic dance anthems and the stunning sounds of an award-winning live orchestra will once again take over Millennium Square in Leeds next summer.

The incredible Symphonic Sounds of Back to Basics will return to the square on Friday 27 July 2018, featuring a unique collaboration between the Orchestra of Opera North, legendary Back to Basics DJ Dave Beer and a line-up of special guest artists and vocalists.

The event comes a year on from the original Symphonic Sounds, which featured a programme of world-famous artists performing alongside Opera North’s 50-piece symphony orchestra.

Tickets for the open air concert go on sale at 10am this Wednesday, November 22.

Dave Beer, founder and owner of Back to Basics said: “After such an incredible experience this summer, I am really honoured and excited to be able to work alongside Leeds City Council and the brilliant Orchestra of Opera North once again in 2018.

“The amazing reaction and feedback we got after the first event has been truly phenomenal and we can’t wait to come back with another knock-out live show that the city can be proud of.”

The Symphonic Sounds of Back to Basics will be the first of a series of three events marking the Opera North in the City Festival and part of the annual Millennium Square Summer Series.

The 2017 event is currently vying to be named one of DJ Mag's Best of British in their annual poll celebrating the UK underground.

The summer showpiece has been nominated in the category of Best Instrumental Ensemble, and voting is open now at djmag.com/news/best-british-2017-voting-now-open

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming this spectacular event back to the heart of the city centre after such an impressive debut in the summer.

“Bringing together two contrasting Leeds musical institutions in this way as we bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 is testament to the strength of our city’s cultural offering and to the unique power which culture has to encourage artistic innovation.”

A special early bird ticket for The Symphonic Sounds of Back to Basics is priced at £30 (including booking fees) and will be available from 10am on Wednesday 22 November through the City Centre Box Office (0113 3760318), Opera North (0844 848 2720) and online at www.millsqleeds.com and www.operanorth.co.uk

For all the latest event information and special guest announcements, follow us on Twitter @millsqleeds, @Opera_North @backtobasics91 or find us on Facebook.

ENDS

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk