Trumpet And Harp Come Together For An Unforgettable Concert In Harrogate

Sometimes music surprises you, right? Like when two completely different instruments – say, a trumpet and a harp – come together and create something unexpectedly brilliant. That’s exactly what’s happening in Harrogate this March, when trumpet star Aaron Azunda Akugbo and harpist Milo Harper take the stage for a concert that promises to be unlike anything you’ve heard before.

This unique duo will perform at the Old Swan Hotel on 2 March 2025 as part of the Harrogate International Sunday Series. If you're wondering how on earth a trumpet and a harp can work together, you’re not alone. But trust me – it works. And it’s stunning.

A fresh take on classical music

Aaron and Milo aren’t your average classical musicians. They’ve taken some well-known pieces by composers like Debussy, Piazzolla, Florence Price, and Villa-Lobos and put their own spin on them. Imagine hearing the dreamy sounds of Debussy mixed with the boldness of a trumpet – it’s the kind of thing that makes you sit up and go, “Whoa, I didn’t see that coming!”

This concert is part of a long-running tradition in Harrogate. For over 30 years, the Harrogate International Sunday Series has been bringing top-notch classical musicians to North Yorkshire. And this year’s lineup is no exception – Aaron and Milo’s gig is one of many cosy Sunday morning concerts where you can sip your coffee while being blown away by world-class talent.

Who are Aaron Akugbo and Milo Harper?

Let’s talk about these two for a sec.

Aaron Akugbo grew up in Edinburgh and has Nigerian-Scottish roots. He’s not just any trumpet player – he’s a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and was once the principal trumpet of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. And get this – his musical hero is none other than Louis Armstrong. Pretty cool, right? Aaron made his London debut in 2020 at the Royal Festival Hall with the orchestra Chineke!, playing the famous Haydn Trumpet Concerto.

Aaron’s aim? To make people rethink everything they thought they knew about the trumpet. He says, “My goal is always to have the audience say, ‘Wow! I didn’t realise the trumpet could sound like that’ or ‘I wasn’t sure about trumpet and harp as a combination, but it really works.’ When those things are said, it feels like a job well done.”

Then there’s Milo Harper, who’s all about showing off just how versatile and poetic the harp can be. He’s not one to stick to the same old thing – Milo mixes music from well-known composers with pieces from those who might not be as famous, giving audiences a chance to hear something fresh. He’s played with some of the world’s top orchestras, including the Berlin Staatskapelle, the Britten Sinfonia, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

A bit of everything for everyone

Milo is especially excited about the variety in their programme. “We have tried to include a range of music,” he says, “some really beautiful moments alongside playful and energetic music too, so hopefully there will be something for everyone!”

It’s not every day you get to hear a concert that balances delicate, poetic harp sounds with the bold, brassy voice of a trumpet – and does it so well.

Why you shouldn’t miss this

The Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, is pretty excited about this year’s concerts too. She says, “This year’s Harrogate International Sunday Series is already proving to be a big hit with audiences, and I am certain this will continue when Aaron and Milo come to town. These concerts provide a platform to some of the world’s most gifted young musicians and Aaron and Milo certainly fall into this category. Fans of the trumpet and harp, and fans of musical brilliance in general, will not want to miss this!”

When and where?

• Date: 2 March 2025
• Time: 11am
• Venue: The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate

Grab your tickets now

If this sounds like your kind of Sunday morning, you can get your tickets from the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303. Whether you’re a hardcore classical music fan or just someone looking for a new experience, this concert might just be the highlight of your weekend.

About Harrogate International Festivals

Before you go, a quick shoutout to the Harrogate International Festivals team. These guys have been bringing amazing live events to the area since 1966, from music and literature to science and philosophy. They put on over 300 performances every year – that’s a lot of culture packed into one town! Plus, their HIF+ education programme gives young people and local communities a chance to get involved in the arts through workshops, talks, and projects.

So, whether you’re in it for the music, the vibe, or just a chilled Sunday morning with some coffee and culture, Aaron Akugbo and Milo Harper’s concert is definitely worth checking out.