Both acclaimed conductor Joe and Helen, a television and radio presenter, have risen to the top of their respective professions.
And they teamed up to memorable effect on Saturday night in familiar surroundings as the latest leg of the UK Proms Weekend was held in the grounds of Carlisle Castle.
Joe, who hails from the Appleby area, is leading the UK Proms Orchestra for its 2025 tour.
At Carlisle, members of a patriotic crowd were treated to an amazing array of classical numbers. These included Jacques Offenbach’s Can Can, John Williams’ Superman March, Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem, Auld Lang Syne, the National Anthem and Edward Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory along with the ever-popular Sweet Caroline and Hey Jude.
Helen, who is from Kirkby Thore, was compère for the evening, bringing light-hearted humour and Cumbrian cheer to proceedings at the stunning venue.
Among those in the audience were Joe’s mother, Sarah, and Helen’s parents, Richard and Janet. Joe is a former Appleby primary and Penrith Queen Elizabeth Grammar School student. Helen, who attended Appleby Grammar School, began her career with early roles at BBC Radio Cumbria, CFM Radio and Border Television.
Joe is assistant conductor of the English Symphony Orchestra. He is also assistant director and founder of Cumbria Opera Group, which is holding its 2025 festival at venues throughout the county — including Penrith, Appleby and Keswick — from August 21 to 30.
He said of Saturday’s stunning show: “We’re halfway through our nationwide Proms tour, from Cornwall to Carlisle, but the Cumbrian public made this one the best so far!
“You can always trust Cumbrians to have a great time and with Helen spurring them on, they made a brilliant audience.“
Carlisle Castle also hosted the Dance Anthems Orchestra on Friday evening.