What The World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook

We are invited to spend an evening exploring the sophisticated songbook of Burt Bacharach, whose work defined the sound of mid-twentieth-century popular music. You will hear a wide selection of his most famous hits, reimagined through the expansive textures of a full symphony orchestra. The programme highlights Bacharach’s signature style: his ability to blend jazz-inflected harmonies with unexpected rhythmic shifts and lush, accessible melodies. As the evening progresses, you can listen for how the woodwind and brass sections take on the syncopated flourishes that characterise his arrangements. The presence of two distinct vocalists allows for a range of moods, moving from intimate, quiet reflections to more expansive, cinematic anthems. The night is shaped as a celebration of melody, focusing on the intricate craftsmanship that elevated these songs to the status of modern classics. Whether the tempo is upbeat or melancholic, the orchestral setting provides a rich foundation for the technical precision and emotional clarity that these compositions require.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra is known for bringing a symphonic scale to a diverse range of genres beyond the core classical repertoire. Based in London but performing widely across the United Kingdom, they are frequently sought after for large-scale projects involving popular and contemporary songbooks. For this performance, they are joined by conductor Rob Shirakbari and soloists Rumer and Ed Harcourt. Rumer is recognised for her smooth, soulful vocal delivery, while Ed Harcourt is noted for his versatility as a singer-songwriter. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in interpreting sophisticated pop and jazz-adjacent music.

The performance takes place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. The evening has a scheduled running time of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. This duration and the familiar nature of the repertoire make it a suitable choice if you are new to orchestral concerts or prefer an evening of melodic, recognisable music. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many patrons choose smart-casual attire. You should check your ticket for the specific start time, as the two-hour duration reflects the musical programme and break rather than the full time spent in the building.