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Sounds of the British Empire march into Northwest Arkansas |
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Jan. 26, 2010
Submitted by: Walton Arts Center
Beth Goodwin
479.571.2747
bgoodwin@waltonartscenter.org
For Immediate Release
Northwest Arkansas (January 26, 2010) – Walton Arts Center is pleased to welcome the distinguished Band of the Irish Guards with the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Regiment of Scotland on Friday, Feb. 12 at 8pm in Baum Walker Hall. Tickets range from $23.50 to $43.50 and can be purchased by calling the Walton Arts Center Box Office at 479.443.5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.
The Irish Guards and The Royal Regiment of Scotland have traveled the world bringing the pageantry and grandeur of marching band and military history to the rest of the world. Now, they have made Northwest Arkansas a stopping point for their much-anticipated U.S. debut tour. Clad in full military garb, the bands will uplift spirits with rousing marches, sentimental sailor ballads, and traditional folk songs from their native lands.
The Irish Guards formed in 1900 on the expressed wish of Queen Victoria to commemorate the valor of her Irish Regiments. In keeping with a British Army tradition of providing musical support to active troops, the Guards became known for conducting morale-boosting missions during both World Wars. With nearly 50 musicians, the Guards consist of a range of professional ensembles that include a Concert Band, Marching Band, Salon Orchestra as well as several others. While their main obligations involve performing at Buckingham Palace and for state ceremonial occasions and public duties like Royal Weddings and the Queen’s Birthday Parade, the Guards have toured in more than 10 countries.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is a combination of many Scottish military bands. Though officially established in 2006, the storied bands that make up The Royal Regiment share a musical legacy that stretches back to the 18th century. Like the Guards, The Regiment has a number of wide-ranging ensembles, all of which have gained a reputation for excellence. The primary role of the regimental band is to support the British Army and all ceremonial occasions that occur in Scotland’s capital city and beyond. They commonly perform at Garden Parties for the Royal Family as well as state banquets at Edinburgh and Stirling Castles. Aside from their more stately functions, The Royal Regiment has also toured the globe extensively.
Band of the Irish Guards with the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Regiment of Scotland is presented as part of the M&M’s Concerts and Attractions Series with media support from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers. For more information on this performance or others, contact the Walton Arts Center Box Office by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.
Walton Arts Center is Arkansas' premier center for the performing arts and entertainment. Each year more than 140,000 people from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and beyond attend over 350 public events at Walton Arts Center, including performances, rehearsals, community gatherings, receptions, graduations and more. Approximately 20,000 students and teachers from 30 school districts participate annually in arts learning programs at Walton Arts Center, and over 300 volunteers donate more than 15,000 hours of time each year to its operations. Walton Arts Center presents entertainers and artists from around the world including Broadway musicals, renowned dance companies, international artists, up-and-coming jazz musicians and more. As a non-profit organization, Walton Arts Center enjoys the generous support of public sector funding, corporate sponsorship and private donors, allowing audience members to pay on average only 50% of the cost of programs offered. To learn more about Walton Arts Center, visit www.waltonartscenter.org.
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