Golf fans will have the chance to welcome both the European and USA Ryder Cup teams to Scotland, the Home of Golf, during a one-off Ryder Cup Gala Concert which will take place in Glasgow to mark the start of the historic event.
The teams assembled by Captains Paul McGinley and Tom Watson will form the centrepiece of the Concert as they are presented on stage to a capacity 12,000 audience at the world-class Hydro Arena ahead of The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
In what will provide a fitting welcome to Scotland for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, the Concert will also see golf, music and the arts unite for one evening only to create an unforgettable and extraordinary event.
Taking place on Wednesday 24 September, the Concert promises an awe-inspiring fusion of vibrant colour, stunning lighting and spectacular performances as the two teams meet live on stage for the first time.
Curated by celebrated Creative Director Kim Gavin, whose portfolio includes the London 2012 Closing Ceremony, Take That Progress Live Tour (2011) and the Concert for Diana (2007); world renowned talent from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera and the National Theatre of Scotland will collaborate for the first time with contemporary artists including Jake Bugg, Texas, Twin Atlantic, Nina Nesbitt and more (still to be announced).
The Concert is a signature event within the Homecoming Scotland programme and celebrates the start of The 2014 Ryder Cup, which takes place 23-28 September and is supported by EventScotland, a directorate of VisitScotland, and Ryder Cup Europe.
While the two star-studded teams will be one of the main attractions for thousands of golf fans packing the Hydro, the musical bill will be headed up by a host of musical talent,
The evening will be set in the impressive surroundings of Glasgow’s brand new Hydro Arena, which has already played host to some of the biggest names in the world of music and offers the perfect space to showcase this exquisite event.
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop said: “The Ryder Cup is a once-in-a- generation opportunity to see Scotland host one of the biggest sporting events in the world which will also leave behind a lasting legacy for Scotland. I’m delighted that the state of the art Hydro Arena will play host to the Gala Concert and the exciting line up performing during this signature event within the Homecoming Scotland 2014 programme will undoubtedly showcase Scotland on the world’s stage.”
Kim Gavin, Executive Producer of the show said, “The Ryder Cup is one of the most exciting events in the sporting calendar and to have the opportunity to work on two of the biggest sporting events in the world (Ryder Cup and London 2012 Closing Ceremony) is a dream come true for me. What’s really exciting about working on this show is the fusion of live music and culture plus I’m a huge sports fan too so this ticks all the boxes. It’s going to be a really special night”.
Said Geoff Ellis, CEO of DF Concerts & Events, “When we first discussed the concept for the Ryder Cup Gala Concert, a stand out objective was to put on a show that Scotland had never seen before and was as unique as the Ryder Cup event itself. Working with Kim to realise his vision has been a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to see it all come to life when September rolls around! Golf, music and arts fans alike are in for an incredible evening of entertainment”.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, lead agency for delivering The 2014 Ryder Cup on behalf of Scotland, said: “The Ryder Cup is an incredibly exciting, important event for Scotland, and we wanted to welcome the two teams to Scotland, the Home of Golf, in a special way. Therefore, we had to create a celebration concert that was unique, bringing together in one place the culture, history and sporting tradition of our remarkable country. The concept of merging the classical with the contemporary is inspired, stirring the audience to embrace all sides of Scottish culture, and of course, golf is a huge part of that.
“The Ryder Cup will enhance and showcase Scotland as the ’Home of Golf’, and with its broadcast reach of a staggering 183 countries across the world, it will inspire a generation not just to play golf on our shores, but experience all that our country has to offer from events to business to leisure. The legacy is infinite.”
Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director said: “The Gala Concert is the curtain-raiser for The 2014 Ryder Cup and is the first chance to welcome the players of the European Team and the USA Team to Scotland.
“Bringing together the country’s proud golfing heritage with a variety of Scotland’s most celebrated musical and cultural artists, this event offers something for everyone and presents a unique opportunity to sample the special atmosphere of The Ryder Cup.”
Tickets for the concert go on general sale on Saturday 19th July at 10am and will be available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk www.ticketsoup.com and by calling 08444 999 990 or 0844 395 4000
Homecoming Scotland 2014 www.visitscotland.com/see-do/homecoming-scotland-2014
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