Blog #14
Hi everyone. I hope you have all had fantastic summers! September is nearly here with news of live concerts with audiences (finally!) 😁 . Students will also be returning to the music department at the University of Manchester for the start of a new term and I am glad to report that ensembles will be up and running!
The Nash
This month's highlight has to have been conducting the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (otherwise known as 'The Nash' to all current and former members) at St David's Hall. The Nash celebrates its 75th birthday this season and has the distinction of being the first national youth orchestra in the world. I can honestly say that my time in the orchestra gave me some of the best experiences of my life and inspired me to a pursue a career as a musician. From sitting back desk 2nd violin on my first course playing Shostakovich's 5th Symphony (a piece I later focussed on as part of my bachelors
degree), to sitting front desk viola playing Walton's First Symphony at his home in Ischia and making friends for life, this organisation has a special place in my heart. Naturally, I was thrilled to be invited back again to conduct this time. As part of the celebrations and their commitment to Welsh culture, they have commissioned 10 new pieces by Welsh composers. Over two days, we rehearsed and recorded two new pieces by Gareth Olubunmi Hughes, Angharad Jenkins and Patrick Rimes. The pieces will be released in October and I will post them on my socials. Keep your eyes peeled!
NEW Sinfonia @ 10
NEW Sinfonia have finally launched our brand new website HERE! Let me know what you think of it! 2021 is our 10th Birthday and there are many ways you can join us in the celebrations. We have adapted and developed through the pandemic, innovating to continue bringing music to our audiences. We have become a charity with a new board of trustees and you can read more about them and the artistic team on the 'About Us' section of our website. We have huge plans in store for the future with a mantra of NEW experiences with NEW audiences for a NEW Wales.
We want to show that classical music is for all, grow audiences, improve representation, and provide opportunities for all with a passion for music to pursue their dreams. We want to use our music as a force for good for communities across the country (and beyond). We are seeking patrons, sponsors and partners to work with us on our journey and you can help us on our way via our 'Support Us' page.
In the next week, we will be announcing our NEW Voices programme, reigniting everyone's creative passion and love of singing! Most importantly, this is open to ALL! Come and join the NEW Sinfonia family. Thanks for journeying with us and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Good luck with projects and keep in touch
Rob
xxx
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