War and Peace in the Baroque Imagination

In a classical recital in aid of peace-building renowned harpsichordist Laurence Cummings and award-winning countertenor Magid El-Bushra will perform works by Handel, Purcell, Bach, Couperin and Lully with all proceeds going to International Alert.

The programme will explore the music of swashbuckling heroes and war-mongering villains, from Boudicca to Julius Ceasar, in their search for victory (on the battlefield and in the bedroom!) and the ultimate quest for spiritual peace.

The line-up for the night includes award-winning countertenor Magid El-Bushra who studied music at the University of Oxford and the Royal College of Music. He has performed all over the world as a soloist and with a number of baroque ensembles. In 2008 Magid won first prize at the Concorso Musica Sacra in Rome.

Laurence Cummings is one of Britain's most exciting and versatile exponents of historical performance. He has performed with ensembles including the English National Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He is Head of Historical Performance at the Royal Academy of Music.

Your support will help communities affected by violent conflict to build a lasting peace. And when there's peace a country can start to take real steps out of poverty.

War and Peace is on Friday 23 July at St Gabriel's Church, Pimlico, South London SW1V 2AD. 7.30pm. Adm: £15, conc £12.50 Info: www.international-alert.org

Shadowball

2010 looks set to be an inspiration in a variety of ways. But would one have aligned it with Opera?

Well Julian Joseph did! The globally acclaimed virtuoso pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and broadcaster, Julian Joseph is a leading figure on the international jazz scene and his forthcoming project is directly linked to sports and his own heritage.

Shadowball, about black baseball players in 1930s-40s America, excluded from the Major Leagues, who struggled to achieve their dream despite the odds, is a compelling new jazz opera from Hackney Music Development Trust created by virtuoso pianist Joseph and acclaimed writer Mike Phillips.

Awarded the highly coveted 'Inspire Mark' by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and with the support of Major League Baseball International, the pioneering opera is part of a groundbreaking project which uses the power of the arts and sports to motivate young people to perform, play baseball, achieve their dreams and create a lasting legacy.

Joseph's swinging score, inspired by the era of Ellington and Armstrong and the game known as 'The National Pastime', tells the fast-paced story of Negro League players whose talents went unacknowledged whilst their jazz compatriots, iconic legends like Cab Calloway, reached heights of stardom by defining a new art form. Together, these larger than life personalities helped to change America forever.

Directed from the piano by Joseph with his Jazz Quintet, Shadowball features renowned singer Cleveland Watkiss and is directed by award-winning director Jonathan Moore.

Shadowball will be staged on Tues 28 (7.30pm) and on Wed 29 June (7.30pm & 1.30pm & 7.30pm) at The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, London EC4V 3DB. Adm: 15 to 17.50 for the evening performances and from 2.50 to 5 for the Schools. Info: 020 7236 1919. Tickets: 0844 888 9991 / www.ticketline.co.uk

The Curtain rises in Scarborough

It promises to be a 'spectacular evening of entertainment' so no wonder people all over are looking forward to the opening gala performance of the new Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

The evening will be compared by the one and only Brian Blessed, with music from the Opera North Orchestra. The opening gala will be one of only two concert dates in the UK for José Carreras this year and will also be the first time that José and Dame Kiri have performed in concert together in the UK. Also just announced is the acclaimed Huddersfield Choral Society making this an exceptional opening event.

José Carreras repertoire includes over sixty operas and a huge range of achievements, such as being commissioned as the Musical Director of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. As a member of The 3 Tenors, José has had an astounding impact on the opera world along with his colleagues, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.

Meanwhile Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement in Music award at The Classical BRIT Awards. Through hard work and dedication the Dame has become one of the greatest operatic international singers of all time.

One of Britain's much loved actors, Blessed has had an impressive range of roles both on stage and television, turning him from a national treasure into an international star.

The Orchestra of Opera North is highly acclaimed, being the only ensemble in the country to have a year-round dual role in the opera house and concert hall. They frequently make appearances with international guest conductors and soloists. As well as playing in the pit for each Opera North season and also joining is the Huddersfield Choral Society, internationally renowned as the UK's leading choral society with over 200 members.

The evening ends with a spectacular firework display to officially mark the opening of the Europe's largest open air theatre.

The event takes place on Friday 23 July at The Scarborough Open Air Theatre ticket booth, North Bay Railway Station, Burniston Road, Scarborough (11am-4pm). Adm: £35 - £55, VIP seating available from £65. Info: 0844 888 9991 / www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

Please check back later for updates.

Every First and Third Monday
KAT ARNEY
Classical music in the bistro. Sunday Driver harpist plays a selection of classical harp music, modern arrangements and her own compositions. Venue: The Spitz, 109 Commercial Street, Old Spitafields, London E1; 8pm & 10pm. Adm: FREE. Info: 0207 392 9032.