In this new album the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the melodic genius of Burt Bacharach, performing specially written arrangements for full symphony orchestra of favourite Bacharach songs, joined by leading vocalists from London’s West End: Graham Bickley, Mary Carewe, Alison Jiear and Sarah Lark, plus conductor Richard Balcombe

‘In orchestrating the songs for this album I have tried to be faithful to the original recordings…you will recognise all the iconic moments in these songs – the falling piano figure in Close To You, the saxophone solo in Arthur’s Theme, the guiro in The Look Of Love, the bassoons in Magic Moments to name a few. Originally the songs were recorded with just a rhythm section (piano, guitars, bass, and drums) enhanced by a bit of percussion, a small string section and some solo instruments… With a full orchestra we have the opportunity to enhance these original ideas and, hopefully, make the sound fuller and more romantic.’ Richard Balcombe (Conductor / Arranger)

“The RPO do sensuousness uncommonly well. The end result was rich yet delicate, with wonderfully liquid woodwind solos and an exquisite sheen on the strings.” The Guardian