The Manx Youth Orchestra is joining forces with its Cheshire counterpart for a concert.
The Cheshire Youth Orchestra visits the Isle of Man from 29th April to 2nd May.
Visiting musicians will stay with MYO members and enjoy a packed programme of music-making and social activities. They will rehearse all weekend and enjoy a ceilidh, featuring Manx music and dancing, on Saturday 30th April.
However, the high point of the weekend will be a joint concert, to which the public is invited, on Sunday 1st May.
It takes place in the Sports Hall at St Ninian’s High School and starts at 7pm. With such large numbers performing, it is likely to be well attended, so it is advisable to book tickets beforehand.
Tickets are ?5 (?3 for students) and can be booked via the Department of Education and Children’s Music Centre on 686555 when it reopens on Tuesday 26th April. Alternatively, ticket requests may be emailed to Music.Admin@doe.sch.im
The programme will include music performed by the combined orchestras and the MYO’s wind orchestra, string orchestra, senior and intermediate orchestras and the swing band.
‘We’ll be studying and performing a wide range of musical styles,’ said Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service for the DEC and conductor of the senior orchestra.
‘The concert will include Frank Woolley's excellent Manx Suite, commissioned many years ago by Alan Pickard, as well as the MYO's favourite piece, The Pirates of the Caribbean. We will also be giving the first public performance of The Magician by Laura Willoughby, a gifted composer who is principal flute in the MYO.
‘The MYO has worked with many youth orchestras in its 40 years, most recently the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra as part of the European City of Culture celebrations,’ Maggie went on. ‘Our members really enjoy meeting and performing with young musicians from other orchestras. It opens up so many opportunities to share ideas and music. They were delighted to be able to perform in the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool during the last collaboration.
‘The Cheshire Youth Orchestra came to the Island during the early years of the MYO and it's great that both orchestras are still going strong and are able to repeat the experience with a new generation of performers.’
Chris Bastock, of the Cheshire Youth Orchestra, said ‘Our young players and their tutors are very much looking forward to visiting the Isle of Man. We’re most grateful to the MYO for all their assistance in our arrangements and especially to families who have offered to host our members. The combination of fun and hard work we anticipate during our tour will, I am sure, help both orchestras to develop their skills and to make lasting friendships.’
Ends
Monday 18th, April 2011 11:16pm.
