Ernest Maxin who has staged this concert, has an outstanding record in television. From producing and directing series with stars such as the great Jack Benny and Marlene Dietrich in America, to British series starring Dave Allen, Dick Emery, Les Dawson, Des O'Connor, Eric Sykes and the legendary Morecombe and Wise series and their Christmas spectaculars. These had guests such as Shirley Bassey, Vanessa Redgrave, Andre Previn, Glenda Jackson, Diana Rigg and Angela Rippon. In addition to producing and directing them he was responsible for the memorable choreography involving these artist's with Eric and Ernie. He has also directed much drama on television and film. He has won a BAFTA award, a Charlie Chaplin award and a Golden Rose award. In 1996 he received the Comic Heritage award for career contribution to comedy. The same year he was made a Freeman of the City of London.

Ernest Maxin writes: "Laurie Johnson is undoubtedly one of the greatest Composers and Arrangers in the world today. His musical output ranges from Symphonic works to Film scores to the popular medium and the Big Band world, which is very unusual".

For this concert Laurie Johnson has gone a stage further, he brings together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Big Band, which in itself is unique and every member is a star in his own right. This combination creates a new sound for the Millennium, and Laurie's creative writing and orchestrating takes us into the next Century on an exciting new and artistic level. My admiration for Laurie is because he has always created style and not followed it.

Alexia has the most potential for stardom of anyone with whom I have ever worked. Not only does she have a wonderful voice, but her lyric interpretation tells a story as it should be told. That rare creature, and Actress/Singer.