A string orchestra course - or rather, two courses in one! (see below) - with the various sections led by members of the Tedesca Quartet.
STANDARD: UPPER INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED
Fee: £78 Code: 20/108
What is the course about?
Nic Fallowfield will lead and direct the orchestra, with his colleagues from the Tedesca Quartet - Clare Bhabra, Richard Muncey and Jenny Curtis - leading the other sections. Last year we had a hugely rewarding and enjoyable course tackling Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Nielsen’s Suite for Strings Op 1. This year we will be working on two pieces for strings and timpani - Sibelius’ ravishing Rakastava and Mozart’s sparkling Serenata Notturna - plus Lennox Berkeley’s Serenade for Strings.
With professional players at the front of each section there is always plenty of support so even if you think you can’t manage all of the notes come along anyway and relish taking part in such glorious music. (And in any case, players usually leave Tedesca courses feeling that they’ve done far better than they ever thought possible!)
Wednesday 29 April will be designated Shostakovich Day: this will be an opportunity for those who are not able to attend the full course to join the orchestra for the day to rehearse and perform the string orchestra arrangement of Shostakovich’s deeply moving String Quartet No 8. Please note that this day course will run from 10am to 5pm. Participants on the full course will have an opportunity for chamber music on the Wednesday evening should they wish.
In previous years on this one-day course we have tackled Vaughan Williams’ Tallis Fantasia, Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro, Mahler’s Adagietto along with Debussy’s Danse Sacré et Danse Profane (Harp Day) and - last year - Britten’s Les Illuminations with the wonderful soprano Elizabeth Ryder. The whole day has always proved to be tremendously stimulating and the final play-through deeply rewarding and Shostakovich Day will no doubt be equally enjoyable. Don’t miss the chance to rehearse and perform this 20th century masterpiece!
What will we cover?
This year we will be working on two pieces for strings and timpani - Sibelius’ ravishing Rakastava and Mozart’s sparkling Serenata Notturna - plus Lennox Berkeley’s Serenade for Strings and the string orchestra arrangement of Shostakovich’s deeply moving String Quartet No 8.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
By the end of the course you will feel that you know a great deal more about our set works and their inner workings.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Upper Intermediate, Advanced
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The course will focus on tutti sessions, although some sectional work may be necessary
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, participants are requested to bring their own music. Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to hire the music from our library.
Is there anything I need to bring?
You, your instrument and music!
What previous participants said about this course…
“Excellent, good-humoured tuition, with many very useful tips. The highly skilled tutors really made it an enjoyable experience.”
“A friendly but professionally led course.”
“The rapport between the tutors and their open and encouraging attitude to participants made the course most enjoyable.”
“Amazing music, and amazing tutors, so we achieved far above what we could ever hope on our own.”