A READING-based orchestra has been picked to take part in a scheme that champions the creation of new music.
The Making Music project has teamed up the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra with composer Caitlin Harrison, with a challenge of creating a new composition. They will be working with the Reading Youth Orchestra on the project, called Adopt a Music Creator.
The scheme is simple: music groups and music creators are brought together to collaborate on creating a brand-new piece of music, over the course of a year.
When finished, there will be a premiere performance of the piece, a recording and a radio broadcast.
The Aldworth Philharmonic’s last collaboration, Samara by Laura Shipsey, was broadcast earlier this month on BBC Radio 3, after its evening concert.
After the pairing of APO/RYO and Ms Harrison was revealed on Sunday, January 16, the three groups had some initial discussions about the way ahead.
Over the next few weeks, the young composer will visit rehearsals of both the Aldworth and Reading Youth Orchestra, to meet the musicians and learn more about how they work.
Her final creation will be performed at Aldworth’s 20th anniversary concert, which is pencilled in for Saturday, October 29. Members of the Youth Orchestra will take part in that performance and, as a result, Ms Harrison has been asked to create a piece suited to both groups.
A spokesperson for the orchestra said: “We’re really pleased to be part of the project, collaborating with one of, if not the, oldest youth orchestra in the country, of which APO music director and string principal Chico are alumni.
“And after meeting her on Sunday, we’re delighted to have been paired with Caitlin.
“We’re looking forward to a fruitful partnership and adding to the nearly 30 pieces and five hours of new music performed by APO over the last 20 years.”
And the composer said in a social media post: “I am over the moon. A very exciting collaboration and project awaits.
Aldworth Philharmonic will be performing on Saturday, February 5, at the Great Hall in London Road. For more details, or to book, log on to: www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk
