World-famous keyboard player Rick Wakeman and acclaimed artist Maria Rud perform

Keyboard legend Rick Wakeman and renowned Russian artist Maria Rud have announced a unique, one-off show in London this December, combining live music with art and architecture with all proceeds going to one of the world’s leading animal welfare charities.
Over the Moon, at Queen’s House, Greenwich, on Sunday, December 10, will see the former Yes musician’s compositions translated into live artworks by Rud, who will paint onto a lightbox, her dramatic creations then projected onto the building, which will become a spectacular canvas for the evening.

The grand architectural setting of Queen’s House adds to the shape and shadows of Rud’s energetic creations, while the audience members stand, sit or move around watching Wakeman and Rud closely as they collaborate to create art together.

Proceeds from the show will be donated to wildlife charity Animals Asia, which campaigns to end the barbaric bear bile trade. More than 10,000 moon bears or Asiatic black bears are caged on bile farms in China, according to Animals Asia figures.

The Over the Moon set will be a blend of classic Wakeman material with new compositions written especially for the event.

Onstage with Rick will be his son Adam, percussionist Ed Scull and leading London vocal ensemble the English Chamber Choir, conducted by Guy Protheroe, widely recognised as one of the UK’s most versatile musicians.

Arranged by Base Video Production, Over the Moon will be in ‘promenade’ format, allowing the audience to view the projection from different angles and fully immerse themselves in the performance.
The Queen’s House in Greenwich is one of the most significant buildings in the country. It is important architecturally, and it is famous for its former occupants and its art collection.
The famous architect Inigo Jones was commissioned to design the building in 1616 by King James I’s wife, Anne of Denmark.
Show beneficiary Animals Asia has rescued over 600 moon bears, caring for them at its award-winning bear sanctuaries in China and Vietnam.
Rud’s lightbox and the final painting of the evening will be auctioned for Animals Asia.

Rud, who has previously ‘performed’ with orchestras and classical soloists such as Dame Evelyn Glennie, said: “Rick’s music is incredibly visual. I painted to Rick’s Six Wives of Henry the VIII and Awaken by Yes in my art school days in Moscow, and have ‘seen’ images of Judas Iscariot in my mind a thousand times.

“Music awakens images, but not all music is as visual as Rick’s. There is a strong synergy which I hope the audience will hear, see and experience.

“Rick introduced me to Animals Asia and the moon bears it is natural that our creative collaboration is in aid of an inspirational cause we strongly support.”

Wakeman said: “I like projects that are totally different to the norm, and I’m really looking forward to performing at Queen’s House.
“Maria is a truly gifted artist, and I’ve written some special pieces especially for the show to go alongside some of my classic works. The concept is unique and exciting, and we’re going to be raising money for a great charity along the way.”