FREDDIE Mercury was an icon, an innovator, a musical maverick and a cultural legend. This summer leading Welsh chamber orchestra Sinfonia Cymru presents The Freddie Mercury Project, an exciting collaboration with internationally acclaimed composer and violinist Vlad Maistorovici.

The Freddie Mercury Project will be coming to The Riverfront on 12th June, with special offers for young people and families, and a chance to watch an open rehearsal prior to the performance.

Sinfonia Cymru has commissioned Vlad Maistorovici to create Queen Concertante, new arrangements of iconic Queen songs including We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody and Killer Queen. Upbeat and stirring, this is set to be a thrilling experience for music fans as they hear intricate new settings of Freddie Mercury’s brilliant original compositions played with passion by a live 23-piece chamber orchestra.

Maverick composer-performer Vlad Maistorovici takes on three roles in The Freddie Mercury Project: conductor, violin soloist and composer. One of the most exciting artists of his generation to emerge from Romania, he performs internationally as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician in repertoire ranging from classical to modern. His compositions have been championed by world-class orchestras and artists.

The Freddie Mercury Project will be at The Riverfront in Newport on Sunday 12th June at 3pm. This will be a fun and exhilarating afternoon of great music played by a passionate and talented orchestra. Full priced tickets are £16, concessions are £12, tickets for people aged under 27 are £5 and family group tickets are available for just £20.

Before the concert there will be an open rehearsal for audience members interested in gaining an extra insight into the orchestra and the music. If you are interested in watching the rehearsal, please contact The Riverfront for more details on 01633 656757.

 2016 is a very special year for Sinfonia Cymru as it marks 20 years since Principal Conductor Gareth Jones founded the orchestra. In celebration of its 20th birthday, this year’s programme is based around the theme of innovation, something that has always been an integral part of the Sinfonia Cymru ethos.

With this in mind, it is no surprise that the orchestra was drawn to the groundbreaking work of Freddie Mercury and Queen.

“Sinfonia Cymru is made up of some of the best young musicians in the early stages of their professional careers. In addition to being supremely talented, our musicians love a challenge and are always eager to try new things. This gives the orchestra an exuberance and vibrancy that is perfectly suited to the music of Freddie Mercury. We are thrilled to be working with Vlad on The Freddie Mercury Project,” said Sophie Lewis, Chief Executive of Sinfonia Cymru.

To find out more information about The Freddie Mercury Project and to purchase tickets visit the Sinfonia Cymru website at www.sinfoniacymru.co.uk or contact The Riverfront in person, by telephone or via their website www.tickets.newportlive.co.uk.