Love London Love Culture's Favourite Music Events 2019
Emma Clarendon picks her favourite musical events of the year…
Hugh Jackman at The O2: a huge highlight in 2019 was being able to watch Hugh Jackman performing live at The o2. It was probably particularly delightful for those who love musical theatre as he performed songs from musicals including Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast and of course The Greatest Showman.
Doctor Zhivago, Cadogan Hall: its always a treat to discover a musical and its score that you have never heard before and this was definitely a real treat. Lucy Simons has created a score that enhances the drama and passion of the original story – with songs such as 'Two Worlds' and 'Watch the Moon' being two particular highlights. Hopefully it won't be long before it is given a full production in the UK.
Cinderella, Cadogan Hall: another little known musical score performed in concert at the Cadogan Hall was Rodgers and Hammerstein's take on Cinderella. This performance featured such a stellar cast including Christine Allado, Jac Yarrow, Dianne Pilkington and Mazz Murray that it was impossible not to enjoy!
Michael Bublé at The O2: this final concert of the year was finally a chance to catch this immensely likeable performer in London as part of his world tour. Filled with humour and plenty of memorable renditions of classic and new songs it was a great way to end the year.
Westlife at The O2: the recently reunited group marked their return with a UK tour this year, celebrating their 20th anniversary since they originally got together. This was a chance to celebrate what they had achieved so far – and was warmly received by all their fans – a real highlight of the concert was surprisingly their medley of Queen songs.
The release of the Moulin Rouge! The musical original Broadway cast recording: having announced the musical will be heading to London in 2021, an album of the music featured was also released earlier this year. I instantly fell in love with the way in which it combines so many well-known songs so coherently.
Symphonic Queen, Royal Albert Hall: any excuse to hear and enjoy the songs of Queen in a new way is absolutely fine by me which is why it was a delight to hear them performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in this concert. Highlights included the renditions of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' and 'Love of My life' – both of which felt extremely profound and moving.
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