Symphonic Orchestra

Directed by Joseph Fort

About the course

Experience the excitement of orchestral music-making in this course directed by Joseph Fort, bringing instrumentalists together to explore the rich colours, expressive power and distinctive musical language of British music from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At the heart of the course will be two magnificent choral works by Hubert Parry: I was glad and Blest Pair of Sirens. Working alongside the Summer School Choir, the orchestra will play an essential role in bringing these stirring works to life, combining the grandeur of the full ensemble with moments of expressive subtlety and lyrical beauty.

Who is it for?

This course is for orchestral instrumentalists who enjoy playing in a large ensemble and would welcome the opportunity to accompany a choir. Participants should have previous orchestral experience, be confident reading music and be comfortable following a conductor. The course will particularly appeal to players who enjoy British Romantic and early twentieth-century music and the collaborative experience of performing with singers.

What to expect

Under Joseph Fort’s direction, rehearsals will focus on ensemble precision, balance, phrasing and orchestral colour, with particular attention to the relationship between orchestra and choir. The principal repertoire will be Parry’s I was glad and Blest Pair of Sirens, as well as exploring further British orchestral music from the same period. Additional repertoire will be confirmed nearer the course. Participants will develop their understanding of orchestral accompaniment, listening and musical communication, working towards a performance with the Summer School Choir.

Practical information