Opportuntity knocks as finalists take centre stage
If you’re an aspiring singer, then The X Factor and The Voice would like to hear from you. However, if you play an instrument, you should probably give BBC Four a call. Earlier this year, the channel launched the UK’s Best Part-Time Band, which offered a showcase to groups who combine rocking out with holding down day jobs. And over the past few weeks, it’s been putting a classical twist on the format with AllTogether Now:The Great Orchestra Challenge (Saturday, BBC2, 8pm), which celebrates amateur ensembles. And now the final is coming to BBC2, in an X Factor-rivalling Saturday night slot. If you haven’t been following the early stages, the series is hosted by Proms presenter Katie Derham, who, as a violinist herself, can understand what drives the contestants. The five orchestras chosen to take part in the series included the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1996 and whose members work in fields ranging from neuroscience to cabaret. North Devon Sinfonia performs an eclectic repertoire of music, while Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, based in the Colne Valley, was originally set up by a group of men working in the textile industry and celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The Stirling Orchestra was formed in 1983 and performs three or four concerts a year at Stirling’s historic Albert Hall, and the Birmingham-based The People’s Orchestra specialises in film music and popular classics, while also functioning as an independent charity. Over the past few months, they’ve been mentored by Chi-chi Nwanoku, a double bassist who is also a founder member of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Chineke! Orchestra, while series judge Paul Daniel has monitored their progress. But now after all those masterclasses and rehearsals, just two orchestras remain in the competition – and they are about go head to head at the Royal Albert Hall. In preparation, both are packed off to boot camp, where a team of professional musicians are waiting to put them through their paces, before returning to their home towns, where we see how they fit their practise around their work and families. Then it’s time for musical battle to commence – with the winners getting the opportunity to perform at the Proms in the Park in front of family, friends and an audience of thousands.