Moment of truth for youth orchestra
THE Tasmanian Youth Orchestra Gala Concert 2017 in Hobart on Sunday will feature an eclectic range of music from the classical era through to contemporary tunes.
Lyall McDermott will be guest conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra.
McDermott is best known as conductor of the Derwent Valley Concert Band, but in his younger days joined the TYO as a violinist in its second year of existence.
“It was a most exciting opportunity for young musicians, with lots of marvellous repertoire, camps, concerts and tours,” he said.
“After a time, I became leader of the orchestra, which meant that on occasion I needed to conduct. It is from that my interest in conducting developed, so I’m absolutely delighted to have had this chance to work again with the TYO.”
McDermott said the Philharmonic’s program would be happy, light and fun in the lead-up to the festive season.
“Thunder and Lightning by Johann Strauss Jnr was written during the last half of the 19th century when Vienna was the ‘Ballroom of Europe’ and Johann Strauss Jnr the ‘Waltz King’,” he said.
“Danse Slave, from Chabrier’s opera The Reluctant King, is typical of his work with great melodies, colourful orchestration and exciting rhythms.
“The Waltzing Cat, by Leroy Anderson, is a lovely, humorous little piece, and A Most Wonderful Christmas is a medley of well-known and well-loved Christmas songs.”
The Academy Strings, conducted by Dale Brown, will include the Lord of the Rings theme, and Toy Symphony by Haydn.
The Camerata Strings, conducted by Sarah Matthews, will add to the party atmosphere with Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and the Wind Ensemble, conducted by Simon Cawthorn, will include Bugler’s Holiday and Family Guy.
The concert starts at 2pm on Sunday at the Hobart City Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 concession, and $40 for families, available from www. tyo.org.au or at the door.
— PENNY THOW