Ayr Arts Guild presents “An Evening with Cheryl Forbes & Gordon Cree” – a feast of songs, music, and laughter in an intimate setting, with cabaret-style seating.

Cheryl Forbes is one of Scotland’s most exciting and versatile singers. She studied in Glasgow, London, and New York with the famous soprano Marilyn Horne and the legendary Metropolitan Opera coach Frederic Camara. Born in Falkirk, she has been on stage since the tender age of eight. Cheryl has excelled in all genres of music, from classical recitals at the Edinburgh International Festival to principal soloist roles with Scottish Opera and Opera Bohemia. She has also performed oratorios with the UK’s major choral societies and made guest appearances on stage in London’s West End.

Gordon Cree is undoubtedly Scotland’s most versatile musician. Born in Ayrshire, he was classically trained in singing and piano at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before embarking on a career that has taken him around the world. Starting as musical assistant to the legendary pianist Peggy O’Keefe, he went on to become the personal accompanist to much-loved Scottish singer Moira Anderson. His musical collaborations include working with legends such as Marilyn Horne, Marilyn Hill Smith, John Rutter, and Nicola Benedetti, as well as entertainment greats like Roy Hudd, Ken Dodd, and Anita Harris.

Gordon is also a renowned arranger, orchestrator, and conductor, with his music being performed annually at the BBC Last Night of the Proms on television and radio. Recently, his works have been played by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, the Adelaide Sinfonia (Australia), and the Auckland Philharmonia (New Zealand), as well as a memorable performance of his Scottish Dances at the Musikverein in Vienna. His theatre credits are extensive and include a season headlining the 2008 summer season at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, two sell-out seasons at the Nevele Grand Stardust Room in New York, and appearances as a favourite guest artist on The Good Old Days at Leeds’ City Varieties Music Hall. In 2019, he was honoured with the Scottish Music Hall and Variety Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Doors open 7pm