Classical Connections was formed in 1999, by its Artistic Director - Gillian Ford, and has to date completed 7 entire World Cruises as well as many shorter ones, aboard P&O, Swan Hellenic and Seaborne, which have invariably received standing ovations. They have been reviewed most favourably in The Mail on Sunday by author Leslie Thomas, and have been subsequently booked to appear at Festivals and Arts Clubs throughout the UK and abroad, most recently in Penang for The Arts Council. Their success lies not only in the quality of voices and musicianship, but also in the sheer versatility and energy they bring to the concert stage, from grand opera to classic operetta and musicals, and they bring a unique blend of sophistication, style, and surprisingly - humour!

A much sought-after accompanist and musician, Gillian has worked with some of the most talented and experienced singers at all the major opera houses of the UK, and most of the Classical Connections team regularly perform at The Royal Opera, Covent Garden, English National Opera, Welsh National Opera and Scottish National Opera, as well as at major concert venues such at the Royal Albert Hall and the Bridgewater Hall. As a result she produces a sparkling team of top-class artistes each year to present exciting and thrilling programmes, which are always very well received and extremely popular amongst both opera lovers and first time concertgoers.

To date, Classical Connections have performed in the Far East, South Africa, America, Australia and Scandinavia, and will shortly be returning to Malaysia and Hong Kong for more concerts this year.