My apologies for taking so long to write again. It's been a busy couple of months with performances and I'm just starting to catch my breath again.
School holidays are about to end, which means that we now look forward to a brighter, lighter term. Lighter as the days get longer, but maybe not so much lighter on the playing and practising side.
The Sinfonia had a wonderful concert with Karin Schaupp playing the beautiful Rodrigo Guitar Concerto. If I wasn't full of a head cold, it would have been even better! Sometimes it's wonderful to be a string player, where blocked sinuses and a hacking cough don't get in the way from playing in concerts. With a box of tissues (duct taped on three sides to blend in to the stage thanks to our Production Manager, Wether's Originals in the box so as to not make a noise with wrappers (and be a little more discreet) and a water bottle - we got through. By the time it came to the performances, the worst was over - but there is always that horrible feeling that you will spoil the moment with a splutter or sniff.
The Sinfonia Academy also pulled off a successful concert at the end of the school term. I really enjoy these evenings as the students demonstrate their ensemble skills to invited guests. This term was shorter, with only 7 weeks (two of which I had Sinfonia) and in that time they managed to present a range of pieces from Celtic Roots - a jig and reel, to some von Weber, Haydn and to finish a little Pomp & Circumstance. This forthcoming term we have a few weeks longer, so am looking forward to what can be pulled together with a greater time frame.
Other events this term includes the Columba College production of Wizard of Oz. For this I am playing violin again as a pupil will play viola. Smaller orchestra required. Should be great fun! I enjoy playing in musicals. The music is just as demanding as a full orchestra concert. I think my favourite is still Les Miserables.
Just to end the term emotionally exhausted, but musically fulfilled, the Southern Sinfonia's third International concert features Brahms violin concerto and the mighty Rachmaninov Symphony No 2. Definitely a concert not to miss!
Well, more bowing to put in a violin part, some orchestra arrangements to complete and a few preparations for the forthcoming term.
Happy practising!
