The University of Liverpool will host a series of performances by the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO) as part of their week-long residency on campus.
Over the week, more than 150 of the countries’ best musicians will be rehearsing the repertoire that will form the basis of their concerts. Members of the University’s own Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, as well as the student body, will also join in with some of the orchestral activities.
As part of the NYO’s outreach programme ‘Inspire’, the doors will be further widened to musicians from Merseyside and the surrounding areas, to attend ear-marked rehearsals.
The aim of `Inspire’ is to foster young musicians who have the potential to enter NYO, but who have not quite had the exposure or training to meet the required standard. Through workshops, training and coaching, `Inspire’ nurtures these players, hoping to enter them for successful auditions in future years.
The newly refurbished Guild of Students will be housing the NYO for the majority of their stay, offering two modern concert halls, an impressive suite of rehearsal spaces, as well as offices and teaching rooms.
The Department of Music and the School of the Arts are delighted to be hosting the event. Head of Music, Professor Spitzer, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and excited to welcome the country’s finest young musicians to Liverpool. The residency of the National Youth Orchestra adds prestige and lustre to the University’s music scene. We wish them every success.”
Lecturers and researchers from the Department of Music will also be offering critical, contextual, analytical workshops on the pieces the orchestra will be studying.
At the end of each residency ensemble the students will perform to friends and family. The NYO has kindly offered a limited number of seats to students, staff, alumni and those keen to hear what promises to be some wonderful performances. Tickets are free but book early to avoid disappointment as they will undoubtedly go very quickly.
Tickets for the following performances are available:
Brass
Monday 16 February
Performing the Cortege from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Mlada, a fanfare by Strauss, and Grieg’s Funeral March for Brass Ensemble.
Strings Thursday 19 February
Performing Elgar’s wistful Sospiri, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and Purcell’s Chaconne in G minor.
Wind and Percussion
Sunday 22 February
Performing Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and two Haydn Serenades.
Without wishing to spoil any surprises, there is also to be a short impromptu concert in the School of Architecture buildings. Architects be warned.