Whilst our Main and Under 13 Orchestras are gearing up for their Winter Concert in less than three weeks’ time; our Regional Orchestras have been dazzling audiences across the country with their annual performances…
To kick-start the celebrations, the South Westerlies Orchestra gathered at Queen’s College in Taunton on Saturday 5 November. The young musicians gave a sensational performance to rival any fireworks display. Along with conductor, Roger Clarkson, the orchestra covered a varied repertoire including Delius’ delicate La Calinda and Piazolla’s energetic Libertango.
The South Westerlies Orchestra also performed a new work - Fulfilling the Dream, composed especially for NCO by David Rees. The title takes inspiration from the word of NCO’s Founder, Vivienne Price, who once said that “NCO is the fulfilment of a dream”. Rees commented on his piece: “Fulfilling the Dream is a short musical reflection on the journey of a dream - incorporating the flourishment of the idea, the trials and tribulations of bringing the dream to reality, and its eventual flourishing success".
The next day, the focus turned to the capital where the London Junior Regional Orchestra gave their concert. The orchestra is made up of 82 young musicians – including nine terrific Associate Members – all under the age of 11. Conducted by Rob Hodge, the players performed in style at Trinity School in Croydon.
The audience were treated to show stopping performances of Lloyd Webber’s bittersweet Memory from the musical Cats, and Bizet’s dramatic ‘Farandole’ movement from L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2. Maria, whose daughter performed in the concert, commented: “[It is] quite amazing to see what can be achieved in just seven rehearsals, spread over ten months and with so much happening in between!”
On Sunday 20 November, three of our Regional Orchestras performed for their loved ones. Northerlies Regional Orchestra, London Senior Regional Orchestra and Easterlies Regional Orchestra took to the stages at the Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama at the University of Manchester, St Paul’s School in London and Cambridge West Road Concert Hall respectively.
Aakash and Shivani Jansari are siblings in the Northerlies Regional Orchestra. When asked about their performance Aakash said, “We had some brilliant pieces lined up to blow the audience away. My favourite to perform was the Jig from Holst’s St Paul’s Suite”. Shivani added: “I always look forward to playing for my family and friends. It doesn’t ever feel like the concert is supposed to be serious, because it’s so much fun. It was a wonderful opportunity!”
London Senior Regional Orchestra delighted their guests with a spectacular mash-up of music. The audience were transported to an intergalactic auditorium and heard a mesmerising rendition of Holst’s ‘Mars’ from The Planets Suite, William’s Star Wars Epic – Part II. The leader of London Seniors, Tom de Csilléry, was given the fantastic opportunity to take over from conductor, Natalia Luis-Bassa, and put his baton skills to use. Tom conducted the orchestra in Strauss’s Pizzicato Polka and looked every part the natural maestro.
Easterlies Regional Orchestra, conducted by Alex Laing, is comprised of 90 musicians – the oldest is 14, and the youngest is 8. The orchestra performed a variety of pieces including Debussy’s ‘Passepied’ from Suite bergamasque, Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1 and Warlock’s Capriol Suite. Conductor Alex Laing commented: “It is a privilege to work with Easterlies Regional Orchestra. It was a joyful concert and I feel very lucky to be part of one this organisation”.
The final Regional Concert will take place next weekend on Sunday 27 November when South Easterlies Regional Orchestra shows off their talents at St Catherine’s School in Guildford.
Roger Clarkson will conduct the 103 young musicians, as they demonstrate their skill to family and friends. If you will be attending the South Easterlies Regional Orchestra Concert, expect to hear renditions of Ungar’s haunting Ashokan Farewell and Walton’s royal favourite, Crown Imperial. It promises to be an afternoon of musical celebrations - good luck South Easterlies!
Top: London Senior Regional Orchestra © Angela Schofield
