Outdoor concert at the traditional summer music event "Extremely British Classic" - showcasing skillful performances and humor
Each year, the Last Night of the Proms concert in London draws a vast audience, both in person and on television. In August, fans in the region can experience a similar concert at Schloss Rheydt's open-air stage on the 29th. The theme for this year's Klassik Open Air, as part of the Sommermusik Schloss Rheydt series, is 'Very British'. Organizer Günter vom Dorp expresses enthusiasm, suggesting some attendees might have goosebumps regardless of their familiarity with the theme.
The performance will feature a fusion of light music and popular classical pieces. Audience and organizer's preference will have vocal soloists Sophie Witte, Bettina Schaeffer, and Rafael Bruck gracing the stage. Mikhel Kütson, Generalmusikdirector and conductor of the Niederrheinischen Sinfoniker, explains that while light music may seem easy, it requires careful crafting to strike the right balance.
Due to a limited number of English opera composers besides Benjamin Britten, the event will showcase European pieces with an English connection. Anticipated performances include "God Save the Queen (King)" by Gaetano Donizetti, "Rosmonda d' Inglilterra," pieces related to Shakespeare such as Charles Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette," and others. The audience can expect known pieces that they can join in clapping, such as "Fantasia on British Sea Songs" by Sir Henry Wood and works by Edward German and Eric Coates.
The LED wall on stage will display photos of London to create a London atmosphere, according to Mikhel Kütson. He describes the concert as a blend of virtuosity and British humor.
While specific program details for the Klassik Open Air concert on August 29, 2025, have yet to be announced, historical precedent indicates the performance might feature broad, appealing themes or specific national or composer-focused themes. Classic British pieces that could be performance candidates include works by Elgar, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Holst, and others. For the most current and accurate information, visitors are advised to check the official website of Schloss Rheydt or the event organizer, follow Schloss Rheydt’s social media channels, or check local event listings and press releases closer to the concert date.
- The Klassik Open Air concert at Schloss Rheydt's open-air stage in August presents an opportunity for outdoor-living enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a British lifestyle, with a focus on home-and-garden entertainment and music.
- The event, themed 'Very British,' will offer a fusion of light music and popular classical pieces, featuring vocal soloists Sophie Witte, Bettina Schaeffer, and Rafael Bruck, creating a rhythm that echoes the Lower Rhine region and beyond.
- As the night unfolds, Schloss Rheydt's open-air stage will come alive with performances of classic British pieces, such as works by Elgar, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Holst, and others, providing a captivating experience that blends virtuosity, humor, and a touch of London atmosphere for all attendants.
