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St Cecilia
News
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Our Next Event Our next St Cecilia Orchestra Concert is our major event of the year, the "Special Gala Concert" in Ripon Cathedral, on Sunday 11 September 2011, at 7.30 pm.
Young Musicians' Workshops Calling all Young Musicians!!! If you play a musical instrument, any instrument, please email us, tell us what you play, at what standard, and give us your name, address, phone etc. We make a great effort to provide opportunities and support for young people to learn and to play and we can offer a whole range of advice, from professional musicians, on all aspects of playing. Please help us to keep in touch with you. St Cecilia Orchestra has always maintained a strong education & outreach programme, supporting Ripon Youth Choirs, organising frequent masterclasses and workshops and offering cheap or free tickets to a whole range of concerts.
We would like to make contact with every young musician in the area so that we can expand and develop this service and keep you informed of everything that is going on.
All we need to know is your name, age, what instrument you play and your email address - then we can send you information every month.
Please contact us ASAP, preferably by email, or telephone 01765 602856
If you are not already on our Emailing list, please sign up via the home page - or email us:-
Extracts from review of St Cecilia concerts Dazzling concert delights packed Cathedral "Words such as dazzling, mesmerising and stunning come to mind in describing the marvellous performance of Brahms' Violin Concerto and Elgar's first Symphony last Saturday in the Cathedral" "It had superlative artistry and arresting virtuoso display. The Brahms Violin Concerto was wonderful in execution and one could hear a pin drop in the cadenza and the slow movement." "The professionalism of the orchestra and the lyricism shone through, especially in the dialogue between oboist (VaCO member) Stephen Hudson and Leland Chen in the second movement, which also demonstrated a lovely balance between the orchestra and soloist." "The audience, so enchanted, stood wanting more and, being the man he is, Leland Chen came back with a beautiful encore." "… as the orchestra came back to perform the Elgar symphony, there was excitement and anticipation. It was a magnificent performance, electric in delivery, creating tensions that were only broken as the final chord climaxed." "XK's brilliant handling of the complex speed-changes showed his command and the refinement of the strings was controlled as the short second movement led into the hushed pianissimo of the wonderfully romantic adagio." "The intensity of the adagio, with its shimmering strings, once again enthralled the audience as a stillness descended upon the cathedral for a second time." "The orchestra produced the most magical playing and the stormy outbursts of the brass were totally thrilling." "It was top-notch and the fizzing finale crowned the evening. What next? This orchestra is in the elite of its kind. Watch out for more excellence and thoroughly sensational performances. A total triumph." - of R. Strauss' Symphony for Wind (The Happy Workshop) John Amis wrote in 'Musical Opinion': "The Strauss was expertly, idiomatically and lovingly directed by the conductor, Xenophon Kelsey" - of Walton's Two Pieces for Strings from Henry V "The strings' sweet playing of the charming, attractive miniature Touch Her Soft Lips was quite simply gorgeous."
- of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (Soloist: Grace Huang) "Kelsey deftly controlled the orchestra through the piece, with its beautiful melodies and interesting harmonic twists and quick changing moods. The Rhapsody sparkled and dazzled. Grace Huang was a fine soloist, with her rhythmic flair. She not only added a touch of glamour and power, but sensitivity and sparkle too. Ten out of ten to everyone." - of Dvorak's Symphony No 8 "The orchestra's consistently good playing was once again on top form …a vibrant rendition … the playing was warm and rich and the interplay between the different sections once again top rate … Kelsey's interpretation, capturing the different moods, was well judged." " Overall this was a wonderfully pleasurable and compelling concert that was enjoyed by a packed audience – and it deserves praise." Our Sponsors Special thanks are due to Trevor and Elizabeth Ingham, our generous 2007 Sponsors of the Year. Without the help of major sponsors, friends, patrons, donors and members of the 100 Club, these enjoyable and rewarding concerts could not be held. | |||||
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