2008 August Event

 Symphony Workshop Weekend

St Oran's School, High Street, Central Lower Hutt
Friday to Sunday, 8-10th August.

Brief review

This year participants focussed on Beethoven's Egmont overture and Dvorak's Symphony from the New World. As usual, tutors from the NZSO coached sectionals and observed and commented during tutti.

A ceilidh evening on the Saturday was well attended. The (mainly Scots) folk dances were enthusiastically carried out,  largely following the detailed instructions given. The music was of course supplied by orchestral members, some on alternative instruments. Various recitals took place, notable among them being the genuine 'New World Symphony'. Genuine not because Dvorak's Largo theme was played, but because it was played on carrots bought from New World Supermarket. Each of the quartet was assigned a few notes to be played on hollowed pan pipes.

As usual, the weekend ended mid Sunday afternoon with a 'best-of' concert.

Photos from the weekend.

One unusual aspect of the weekend was placing the brass up on the stage. 

Brass with a view.
 
And the preferred instrument of Motorway Interchange designers is ....
Workshop - one horn

Brent in action.
Workshop - Brent

Concert: Tune-up before the Egmont Overture.
Tune up

Concert: Dvorak brought to a close.
New World - close