Kent County Youth Orchestra: Spring 2015
Spring traditionally brings longer, warmer and brighter days. There was no better place to be after the Easter weekend than the KCYO Spring course and concert for the warm sounds of our bright young orchestra. KCYO met once again at Ashford school to prepare an exciting programme of music in tribute to the anniversaries of two of Scandinavia’s greatest composers. The orchestra performed works by Finn, Jean Sibelius and Dane, Carl Nielsen finishing the performance with the symphony in D minor by French composer Cesar Franck. The strings also performed the captivating Festina Lente by the celebrated contemporary Estonian composer Arvo Part. The orchestra rehearsed and performed under the direction of the exciting young conductor George Jackson who joined the orchestra for his second KCYO engagement. Orchestra members worked hard while in rehearsals. Those with important academic exams worked equally as hard afterwards to revise in preparation for more academic performances at their respective schools and colleges. There were the usual excellent social activities on offer as organised by our brilliant orchestra reps including a county quiz and last night party.
In keeping with the freshness of Spring KCYO performed to a warm and receptive audience at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks. This was their first visit there for many years though hopefully the orchestra will return again soon. The afternoon concert was a great success and like the proud young musicians the sun beamed, seemingly in approval as parents and players were reunited outside the Stag after a fun and rewarding five days. The orchestra meet again for more exciting music making at its summer concert at the Winter Gardens, Margate on 29th August 2015 – please keep an eye out here for more details or follow your youth orchestra, KCYO on Facebook!