Harrogate International Centre

This year's Harrogate Prom on 19 May, which celebrates Harrogate International Centre's 25th Anniversary, features the stunning new tenor Alfie Boe, the best kept secret within the classical world for several years.
 
In 2006 that secret was finally shared with the nation. His debut album, entitled 'Alfie Boe', was released last September and entered the Classical Chart at No.2, inspiring such comments as, "Alfie Boe is a 'stunning' discovery who could be the best tenor of his generation," The Observer.
 
33-year-old Alfie Boe is the youngest of nine children, born in Blackpool and moving to Fleetwood on the day of his birth! Alfie went to work at the local TVR factory but when overheard singing by a customer, he was advised to join the touring D'Oyly Carte Company. From there he moved to the Royal College of Music and his big break came when film-maker and opera director Baz Luhrmann cast him for the Broadway production of La Boheme. To Luhrmann's delight, and in his own words, "Alfie turned out to be absolutely extraordinary!" The opera was a huge success and Alfie went on to win a Tony for his performance on Broadway and The LA Ovation Award for the show in Los Angeles. Big productions ensued including 'Otello', 'Albert Herring' at Glyndebourne and 'Cosi Fan Tutte' at Strasbourg.
 
Alfie's second album titled 'Onward', has just been released on EMI Classics and offers a rousing collection of uplifting songs. "I wanted to create a musical experience that the listener would be inspired by. I feel the arias we've chosen are all anthems in their own right and reflect a true spirit," explains Alfie.
 
The album title holds a special importance for Alfie. Proud of his Lancashire roots 'onward' is the motto for Fleetwood, his hometown. "There are obviously sentimental reasons for using the title, but it's also a word that perfectly describes my approach to life. It suggests movement, moving to the next stage, always striving to do your best," explains Alfie with a smile.
 
Harrogate International Centre Saturday 19 May 2007 at 7.30pm. Ticket prices £17.50, £14.00, Concessions £2.00 discount. Groups of 10 or more 1 seat free. Box Office 0845 130 8840 go to the Box Office section of this website.