Mayor's Concert Programme.pdf - Milton Keynes City Orchestra

95003 May 2011 programme text.qxd:Layout 2 11/5/11 08:25 Page 10Milton Keynes City OrchestraMilton Keynes City Orchestra gave its first performance under the baton of its Founder, Conductor, Hilary DavanWetton, in February 1975. Over 35 years since, it has built a national reputation, establishing itself as the live classicalmusic resource for Milton Keynes and the surrounding area. The Orchestra is unique in that it is a professionalorchestra which is resident, active, here in Milton Keynes – it plays an important part in the cultural life of the city,engaging particularly with the education sector, the business community and as a valuable arts resources.The Orchestra presents an annual concert season with a series of concerts at Milton Keynes Theatre. This season’shighlights include: “Last Night . . .” – a programme featuring some of the iconic repertoire associated with flag wavingand promenading, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, and Wood’s Fantasia on BritishSea Songs as well as the UK Premiere of Turnage’s Juno and the World Premiere of Powers’ Fast Colours. TheOrchestra has also launched “Chamber Roots” a new series of small orchestral concerts presented at StantonburyCampus Theatre, featuring young Yamaha soloists and chamber works including, Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 17and Haydn’s Symphony no. 80.Members of the Orchestra regularly work within the community enabling people of all ages and experiences toparticipate and enjoy music making though practical workshops, composition projects, family and schools concerts,coaching, orchestral training and other creative projects. The Orchestra frequently collaborates with the DanesboroughChorus and Milton Keynes Chorale; and smaller ensembles regularly perform in the city including at the OpenUniversity, John Lewis, Milton Keynes Central Station, The University Centre as well as for many private and Corporateevents.Whilst the Orchestra has been traditionally committed to Milton Keynes and its environs, it continues to work furtherafield – performing as part of the English Music Festival at Dorchester Abbey and a touring “Song and Dance” inBedfordshire venues. The Orchestra has also undertaken tours to the USA and France. It has released six recordingson the Unicorn-Kachana and Hyperion labels. Also under the Baton of Hilary Davan Wetton, the Orchestra broadcastthe Classical FM Masterclass series of introduced works.10 The City’s own...