ORCHESTRA ONE CELEBRATES RIVER MEDWAY AT DOCKYARD
Orchestra ONE is to celebrate in music the influence of the River Medway onKentriverside communities with a landmark concert in the inspiring surroundings of Chatham Historic Dockyard on Sunday August 26.
Organised by music education charities Kent Music and Rhythmix, Orchestra ONE (Orchestra of New Experiences) gives young people aged 12 to 19 the chance to develop their own styles and instrumentation, blending classical and jazz players with DJs and MCs, and then to perform their composition in concert.
Free workshops have been held across Medway, Maidstone and Tonbridge with the three groups coming together to polish their work in four all-day rehearsals in readiness for the final performance at the Dockyard from 7pm. Concert tickets are available free in advance by contacting Kent Music on 01622 358406.
The concert will be held on the mezzanine floor of the magnificent 3 Slip – The Big Space, which houses a wealth of artefacts, including a midget submarine, boats, giant tools, steam machinery and a collection of vehicles. When built, in 1838, this immense covered slip wasEurope’s largest wide span timber structure and its roof is a magnificent sight.
The two-year project began in May 2011 and is sponsored by the Rochester Bridge Trust. This is the third of four concerts scheduled over the two years.
Musical director of the Chatham Historic Dockyard concert is Pete Wareham, a saxophonist and composer who has set up and worked with various bands including Acoustic Ladyland, a group of improvisers with a contemporary rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
Pete graduated from Leeds College of Music and later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His continued success as a saxophonist has led to notable performances atNew York’s Blue Note Club,London’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and support for American musical legend Roy Ayers.
His challenge is to unite the orchestra’s wide mix of talents, instruments and styles to produce a composition inspired by the River Medway and its crossings.
The 10 weekly workshop sessions, led by experienced Rhythmix tutors, are aimed at young people who have had limited experience in ensemble playing and those who want to build their confidence and explore music through improvisation and composition.
Those interested can join the orchestra at any time, even turning up for a taster session to see if they wish to take part. Participants are coached by professional creative music tutors and encouraged to improvise and to contribute their own musical tastes. Importantly, they also get the opportunity to experience playing as an orchestra.
Kent Music creative consultant Laura Callaghan said: “Orchestra ONE is a truly remarkable project for young people who wouldn’t normally get the chance to play in an orchestra. It showcases an incredible collection of musical styles and talents, creating new kinds of music and culminating in a performance of an inspiring first composition.
“Project three is particularly special as the musicians will perform their composition inspired by the River Medway right near its banks atChatham’s Historic Dockyard, surrounded by historic buildings and icons of our nautical heritage.”