A new live concert performance of the BBC’s acclaimed Planet Earth II will get its UK premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in May.
Produced by BBC Worldwide and the BBC Natural History Unit, Planet Earth II Live in Concert will feature specially-selected high-definition footage from the award-winning series as the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Singers, conducted by Jessica Cottis, play the music of Hans Zimmer and his composers, Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe.
Lucy Noble, Artistic Director at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We’re delighted to present the UK premiere of Planet Earth II Live in Concert, a stunning televisual achievement given the treatment it truly deserves.
“This astounding series took natural history to a whole new level, capturing the wonder of nature on an unprecedented scale and revealing our planet from a new perspective.
“But nothing compares to seeing it on the big screen with a live orchestra: a marriage of memorable music and stunning visuals, bringing the audience to the most spectacular landscapes and habitats on earth and eye-to-eye with the animals that live there.”
Zimmer is renowned for his work on the likes of Gladiator, Interstellar and Blade Runner 2049, but said the landmark BBC series stood out amongst his work. “Planet Earth II is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been involved in: some of the greatest action scenes ever put on film, some of the most emotional, epic, fragile scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Filmmaking at its absolute peak.”
Michael Gunton, Executive Producer of Planet Earth II, who will host this special one-off event at the Royal Albert Hall, has said of Zimmer’s, Shea and Klebe’s score: “It feels so contemporary, cinematic and sensitive and provides the final, essential ingredient – one that superbly evokes not only the power and drama of nature but the humour and charm of our planet’s animals.”
Mat Way, Commercial Director, Live Entertainment at BBC Worldwide said: “We are delighted to partner with the Royal Albert Hall for Planet Earth II Live in Concert.
“It’s an incredible concept using the BBC’s groundbreaking footage, and fans of the series will be in for a very special performance.”
Tickets for Planet Earth II Live in Concert go on sale at 9am on Friday from www.royalalberthall.com.