Music in Flight

Music in Flight is an event that takes place at Sywell Aerodrome in the English county of Northampton.

History

The show combines popular classical music and aerobatic displays.

The Music in the Air concept has been developed over the last ten years by Ross Mallock. Based in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, Ross was heavily involved in the operations side of the annual Middle Wallop International Air Show, a biannual event until the year 2000.

The first concert was in 1996 and took place the evening before the Air Show. The idea behind the event was to entertain a small audience with a classical music programme, with which the flying of aircraft would be synchronised. Each musical item was accompanied by aircraft flying to the music. The pilots were a handful from the airshow who, showing great generosity, provided their services free.

The music was originally provided by the London Philharmonic Youth Orchestra conducted by Andrea Quinn, who later went on to the New York City Ballet. Her place was taken by the young, talented conductor Ilan Volkov, who now heads the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Since then, the concert has taken place every year and has grown in size and complexity. It boasts an audience of 10,000 and has featured items such as the Red Arrows, Utterly Butterly Wing-walkers, Blue Eagles, the Avro Lancaster and other professional flying display items have taken part.

The orchestral music is now provided by The London Pro Arte Orchestra under their Artistic Director Murray Stewart.

Sywell

Now with the change of name to Music in Flight the concert has moved to Sywell, Northants. With a new venue and new aircraft items the concert has been reinvented. 2006 was its first year.

Tidworth Festival

in 2009 Music in Flight will move to Perham Down, Hampshire as part of the Tidworth Festival

External links

• Music in Flight Official Site