Orchestra Nova presented its annual Gala Concert at Newcastle City Hall on 28th November. In keeping with the end of year spirit the concert featured a variety of music reflecting the approach to summer warmth, the holiday season, and Christmas festivity.
The major work of this concert was Tchaikovsky's popular 1812 Overture. As is well-known, this work is famous for its colourful use of cannon fire, church bells, military band and occasionally large choir. Orchestra Nova's performance simulated, to wonderful effect, the sounds of battle-field ordinance through the use of recorded cannon fire. The exhilarating final pages of this rousing work were given added excitement through the participation of 2010 D-grade State Brass Band Champions-Newcastle PCYC Brass. Their victorious playing, coupled with the sonorities of cannon fire, church bells and a rousing orchestral texture, brought the audience to a standing ovation.
Sibelius's The Swan of Tuonela was also performed. The hauntingly beautiful Cor anglais solo was skilfully played by Neil Simpson.
Claire Gibbons gave a lyrically contemplative performance of the 2nd Movement of Weber's 1st Clarinet Concerto. Claire performed the whole of this work in June. A repeat performance was requested by an Orchestra Nova audience member.
Other works presented in this concert were Procession of the Sardar from Caucasian Sketches by Ippolitov-Ivanov, Jeux d'enfant by Bizet, Tales of the Vienna Woods by Strauss, Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson, Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni and Elgar's delightful Salut d'amour.
Orchestra Nova with the Newcastle PCYC Brass Band. Photos of the 2010 Gala Concert by Estelle Asmodelle.
This concert was presented again on 4th December at the Tomaree Centre, Salamander Bay, under the generous auspices of Musical Matinees Inc.
Playing to a near-capacity audience, the Tomaree Centre Gala Concert included Let The Bright Seraphim by Handel. The uplifting vocal solo was given a fine Handelian interpretation by soprano Kathryn Dries. The trumpet obbligato line was equally impressively played by Teena Wallace.
The Port Stephens Choir, trained and conducted by Kathryn Dries, joined Orchestra Nova in well prepared presentations of And The Glory from The Messiah by Handel, O Holy Night by Adam and some Christmas Carols. The choir then participated in the 1812 Overture, giving added solemnity to the opening hymn 'Lord Preserve Thy People'.
The Port Stephens Community Band also participated in the 1812 Overture. Performing the role of military band, their contribution to the final victorious pages gave colour and harmonic richness. Coupled with the rousing singing of God Save The Czar by the Port Stephens Choir, cannon effects, bells, and confetti/streamer cannon fire, Orchestra Nova's performance once again brought the audience to its feet in spontaneous cheers and rounds of applause.
The success of the two Gala Concerts ended a year of high achievement and musical accomplishment for Orchestra Nova. We look forward to building on this in 2011 with the presentation of some wonderful music performed by both Orchestra Nova and some fine soloists.
Thank you to all who have supported Orchestra Nova throughout 2010.
Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year,
John Nottle,
Music Director,
Orchestra Nova
Celebrations, 'Calling All String Players'
Sunday 12th Sept 2010 - Germania Club
Music Director and Conductor, John Nottle
On 12th September Orchestra Nova, the Hunter region's premiere community orchestra, extended a warm invitation to all string players to join with us in the presentation of an orchestral concert. The invitation was extended to violinists, violists, cellists and bass players who ever wondered what it would be like playing in a fully complimented symphony orchestra, performing exhilarating music!
Many players took up this offer, including 20 members of the Northern Sydney Youth Orchestra, and a contingent from the Central Coast.
The theme of the concert was Celebration. Celebrating the bi-centenary of Chopin's birth and also celebrating a life in music of the esteemed Australian conductor, Sir Charles Mackerras who sadly passed away earlier this year.
The concert was a huge success, with a number of guest participants inquiring about joining Orchestra Nova.
The programme consisted of the following:
Smetana ~ Polka (Finale) from Act 1: The Bartered Bride
Faure ~ Morceau de Concours for Flute and Piano. Soloist: Aaron Rothemund, piano acc. Svetlana Zadorin
Saint-Saens ~ Romance for flute and Piano. Soloist: Aaron Rothemund, piano acc. Svetlana Zadorin
Chopin ~ Works for Solo Piano. Soloist: Svetlana Zadorin
Klaus Badelt ~ Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Dvorak ~ Largo from The New World Symphony
Bizet ~ L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2
If you are a string player and missed participating in this concert, you are still most welcome to contact Orchestra Nova with regards to joining.
Orchestra Nova rehearses Thursday evenings from 7.30pm till about 9.50pm at the Germania Club, 298 Hillborough Rd., Warners Bay.
Great Classics ~ Bohemian Rhapsody
Sunday 20th June 2010, Germania Club, Warners Bay
Sunday 27th June 2010, Cessnock Perfroming Arts Centre
Music Director and Conductor, John Nottle
Sibelius ~ Finlandia
Weber ~ Clarinet Concerto No.1 with soloist: Clare Gibbons
Dvorak ~ Symphony No. 8
Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1, soloist: Clare Gibbons
The Hunter region’s premier musical experience. This concert series featured much loved music penned by some of the orchestral world’s most famous and popular composers.
The Kookaburra Who Stole The Moon
March 28th 2010, Newcastle City Hall
Dear Orchestra Nova,
This afternoon my wife and I took our little blokes to see your performance of The Kookaburra who Stole the Moon. Every aspect was outstanding and our boys had such a memorable time: thank you. We love the fact that there was an affordable and child-based cultural event on offer and we hope to attend further activities like this. Your playing, the dancing, and storytelling were all first rate.
Keep up the good work!!
Michael and Racheal Arthur-Kelly
Michael Arthur-Kelly PhD
Acting Deputy Head of School (Research Development)
SE24 Special Education Centre, School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle
