Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Routine Rehearsal

David Worsley I need to make two changes to set the record straight about my last blog. In no particular order: the title should have been “At the heart of the orchestra”, and not “The heart . . .”. My … Continue reading

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Midsummer concert of Grieg, Mozart and Elgar

Dear Music Lover For midsummer on Sunday June 21 at 7.30pm why not recall some of that old romance into your life with Primavera in a concert featuring piano quintets by Elgar and Grieg at the Ballroom in Herstmonceux Castle. … Continue reading

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Half Term

There will be no rehearsal on 25 May 2015 as it is half term and a Bank Holiday!

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The Heart of the Orchestra

This term is going to be good. Sibelius, Mussorgsky, Dvorak, Elgar, and a threat of Wagner’s Mastersingers overture – what’s not to love! I recently made some discoveries: the French for a French Horn is ‘cor’. One notable composer wrote … Continue reading

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New term

Tonight was the second rehearsal of this term, and we were very pleased to welcome Catherine and Malcolm, two new French Horn players. We are fast approaching a full brass section! Sibelius’s Finlandia went well – if only the cellos … Continue reading

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Bum Notes from the Brass

When are passages difficult? We began the rehearsal with the 1st movement of Mendlesohn’s #3. We got as far as the 8th bar and started again, and again, and yet again. Why? Because Wes thought that we were not good … Continue reading

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Our Greek Family Odyssey

My sister Susan Elkin and I have mentioned before that at the heart of our musical background was our folk-fiddling father. In August 1966 he was invited to lead the band for a dance group to an international 10 day … Continue reading

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Four go playing …

  Four members of Ashford Sinfonia met today to try out some Mozart and Haydn quartets. We were grateful to be able to meet at Susan Elkin’s home, and enjoyed a light lunch in the midst of heavy (musical) work. … Continue reading

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Stories from the Orchestra Pit

Prince Igor – act 1: a vehicle for an amazing début. I was playing in the Birmingham Philharmonic – then and now one of the country’s leading amateur orchestras. Just up the road was the Midland Music Makers – also … Continue reading

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Sacconi Festival Flyer

SACCONI CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL – INTIMATE VOICES  – 15TH – 17TH MAY 2015 – FOLKESTONE Box Office Now Open!:  01303 760750 / www.quarterhouse.co.uk Sacconi_Festival_Flyer_2015

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