Plymouth Symphony Orchestra

Note revised rehearsal dates, now with venues!

2011-04-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Fiddler's farewell!

REHEARSAL DATES AND VENUES

May 2nd OCS - ie Old Chapel Studio by Drama Theatre,
9th Chaplaincy,
16th OCS,
23rd Chaplaincy,
30th OCS

June 6th OCS

This year's PSO concerts will be on:

11th and 15th June; and 20th and 23rd November 2011

Sparrow Language School continues its sponsorship!

2011-03-26T04:35:00.000-07:00

The PSO is very grateful to Suzanne Sparrow and the Sparrow Language School for their continued sponsorship of the orchestra. The next PSO concert was pre-viewed by Philip R Buttall in Thursday's copy of the The Herald - see page 29

The Liskeard concert is this Sunday 27th March at 5.30pm. The Guildhall concert is on Wednesday 30th March at 7.30pm

Next rehearsal (7/2) in Chaplaincy!

2011-02-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

Please note that the next PSO rehearsal on 7th February will be in the CHAPLAINCY

TANGO SONORO concert 5th December 2010 - review

2010-11-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

Live Argentinian Tango Music

Jonathan Stromberg and Judy Whitlock played live Argentinian Tango music at the Elfordleigh Hotel on 5th December, together with other members of Tango Sonoro.

Jonathan writes: "Tango is a style of music from Argentina and Uruguay that first appeared in the mid-19th centrury. Richly influenced by European immigrants and African music .... this music is exciting and diverse, containing lyrical melodies, syncopated rhythms and strongly accented dynamics".

Having been at the concert I can say the quintet are real stars! They played 14 wonderfully evocative pieces, with tunes and rhythms being passed round each of the players, all of whom are highly accomplished. Jonathan's violin technique was delightfully deft and he led the ensemble with consumate skill.

In the break we were treated to a show-dance by the multi--medal winning team of Jonathan and Dolly. Comparisons with Strictly are inevitable - and these two are real tango pros!

The venue was the Reynolds Room, Elfordleigh Hotel, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 5EB - tel 01752 336428

You can retain Tango Sonoro for your own event - 01752 344747 mob 07813 691448 or through their website at www.tangosonoro.co.uk

PSO viola leader in Gypsy Jazz mode!

2010-11-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

Hamer & Isaacs Gypsy Jazz Band

Mel Brindle, leader of the PSO viola section, goes global as the fiddler with the Hamer & Isaacs Gypsy Jazz Band. They are playing a number of local gigs and often perform at weddings and other receptions.
Their website also has a number of tracks of interest to jazz lovers - hear Mel play in After You've Gone and You Took Advantage of me!
Their website is
http://www.myspace.com/hamerisaacs

Dvorak cello concerto in November

2010-10-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

photo: Olivia Shaw

Two talented young cellists are to perform with the PSO at the forthcoming November concerts. Jacqueline Phillips will be performing the Dvorak cello concerto at Liskeard on Sunday 21st. She has played the Elgar cello concerto with us before, to great acclaim.

The Guildhall concert on 24th November is sponsored by the Foster Charitable Trust, and features Guy Johnston, former BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2000. His performance is eagerly awaited, by the orchestra and public alike!

photo: Edwin Gregory

Both concerts are now featured as forthcoming events in the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra FaceBook Group page.

Meet the orchestra - an occasional series profiling members!

2010-10-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Catherine Tyler - trumpet

Catherine was born in Nottingham in 1961 and grew up in North Norfolk, quickly developing a passion for playing the trumpet and organ. She regularly performed in the Norwich Music Festival as a soloist, sang with The Richeldis Singers and played in brass ensembles and orchestras; performing everything from musicals to ceremonial music in cathedrals. She quickly developed the reputation of being a ‘low tide’ church organist, as every weekend she would be sailing, sometimes at European championship level, if it was high tide.

Catherine trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for three years and gained diplomas in both trumpet and organ. She was Assistant Organist at St. Augustine’s Church, Penarth and also worked for Welsh National Opera, even if it was behind the scenes!

Following a PGCE year in Devon, Catherine began a teaching career that is now nearing the end of it’s third decade. Her first job was Head of Music in a large school in Northamptonshire, where she was also Sectional Brass Coach for the County Youth Orchestra. She then became Director of Music at King’s College, Madrid, and set up the first ABRSM exam centre in Spain. Returning to the UK in 1987, as Head of Brass and Woodwind at Blundell’s School, Tiverton; before embarking on ten years teaching internationally, in Brussels, Moscow and Strasbourg.

Catherine’s musical interests are broad. In addition to playing the trumpet with the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, she directs many groups of musicians , including The Dartington Brass Consort; composes and arranges music; and has written and directed many theatre shows.

She has two children and is happily settled in South Devon. Apart from enjoying messing around on boats, in particular, ‘Jennive’ , a Falmouth Gypsy Mk II and being passionate about cooking, camping and travel; her time is spent teaching widely throughout the county and working as a volunteer counsellor for the NSPCC.

PSO players with an Argentinian flair!

2010-10-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

Tango Concert in Stuart House 18th July. 2010.

Noelle Boucherat, piano; Joe Monks, accordion; Jonathan Stromberg, violin;

Judy Whitlock, double bass; Angela Wunnam, classical guitar.

An extremely large and very appreciative audience was delighted with a performance of Argentinean tango music at Stuart House on Sunday 18th July, 2010.

Tango Sonoro was the brainchild of violinist Jonathan Stromberg and his passionate love of Tango dance and music. After a “Tango Holiday” in Buenos Aires earlier this year he returned with rare sheet music and original recordings. These he painstakingly transcribed and arranged for the Tango ensemble.

After the first few bars of “Café Domingo” the listeners were transported into the smoky bars and brothels of Buenos Aires, where the tango was originally danced by male partners to attract the ladies.

A cry from the soul was heard in the tango waltz, “Desde el Alma”. This haunting piece was composed a hundred years ago and is known widely and much loved throughout Argentina today.

The ensemble performed the sad and evocative “Milonga del Angel”. It was written by Ástor Piazzolla ( 1921 – 1992), who was a famous Argentine tango composer and bandoneónplayer. This piece demonstrated how his type of composition revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style termed tango nuevo incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. Throughout this composition the insistent rhythmic bass line of Judy Whitlock supported the wistful guitar motifs played by Angela Wunnam and the long nostalgic melodies of the accordion and violin (Joe Monks and Jonathan Stromberg) leading to the rousing piano chords and arpeggios of pianist Noelle Boucherat, only to end in a long poignant cry of distress at the end of the piece.

The group’s love and appreciation of tango music was evident in every piece that they performed. They are unique in their focus on technique from both the percussion of the piano and guitar, the pizzicato of the bass and the long, sustained lines of melody from the violin and the accordion. The individual attention and ability to listen to each other meant that each instrument had its opportunity to lead.

They played with elegance, precision and a natural chemistry. The performance was a living demonstration of their passion for tango and for each other.

They provided the audience with introductions and explanations which helped them to understand the style and genre of Argentinean tango music.

In the middle of the performance Jonathan Stromberg put down his violin and joined Dolly Knight to demonstrate how the Argentinean tango is danced. There was very little room for them, so large was the audience, but with consummate floor-craft they danced exquisitely on little more than one metre by two metres, skilfully showing the emotional, sensuous and passionate nature of the dance.

Stuart House looks forward to a future concert in 2011.

(Review by Tony Piper)
Contact Tango Sonoro on www.tangoband.co.uk

NOTE DRESS REHEARSAL FOR PLYMOUTH CONCERT IS MONDAY 22ND NOVEMBER

2010-09-05T01:38:00.000-07:00

Marjon PSO

Rehearsal dates for 2010 – 2011

NOTE REVISED DATE AND LOCATION OF PLYMOUTH CONCERT DRESS REHEARSAL
October - Monday 4th, 11th,18th in the Drama Theatre

November - 1st, 8th, 15th (Drama Theatre not available), in the Chaplaincy
Dress rehearsal Plymouth Guildhall MONDAY 22nd November

January - 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st Drama Theatre

February - 7th, 14th, 28th Drama Theatre only on 7th, 14th & 28th , Chaplaincy

March - 7th, 14th, 21st Drama Theatre not available, in the Chaplaincy

April - 4th, 11th, 18th Drama Theatre only on 18th, 4th & 11th in the Chaplaincy

May - 9th, 16th, 23rd

June - 6th Drama Theatre

2010-08-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Ron Walke writes:

I am in Guernsey having sailed from Duarnenez via various ports in Brittany. I had two close shaves along the way, in Chataulin I lost my wallet while on a five mile bike ride, on returning to the boat I found it had slipped out of my pocket somewhere. I retraced my ride hoping I might find it along the way but no joy. I decided to call at the Gendarmerie to report the loss and to my relief and great joy after asking me to write my name on a slip of paper, the lady Gendarme told me my wallet had been reported found by a lady who was handing it in that evening. As I was leaving the Gendarmerie two ladies pulled up in a car calling to me and waving my wallet. We went back to clear it with the Gendarme and I was reunited with my wallet and all the contents. The ladies would not accept any reward so I called in to the Gendarmerie next day with a thank you letter and a present which the Gendarme promised to pass on.

The next day I was inside my boat on the pontoon when I heard a loud crash, a large tree branch had fallen missing my boat by a foot.

I seem to be safer at sea than in marinas, I was sunk in Falmouth marina by a fifty ton motor yacht a few years ago.

I look forward to seeing you all in September.

Camerata summer school and Music for Youth Festival

2010-07-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

"Three quarter size"
<13 chamber class

Liz Kilpatrick writes:

The end of the PSO season does not mean music-making comes to an end till September. I've had two great but very different experiences this July.

I have just come back from a five-day residential music course at Shrewsbury. It is called the Camerata course and was held in the premises of the well-known public school. There is certainly loads of info. on the web site (http://englishcamerata.org.uk/5.html). It is a very happy atmosphere with plenty of top coaching. We went as a preformed group but most don't. Elizabeth Altman who directs it & is first rate pianist & coach takes a lot of time & trouble trying to match up players & give them what they want. Not easy with 50 odd players who may come just for 2 or 3 days.

Before that I had an Inspiring & heartwarming day at the Music for Youth Festival which this year was held in Birmingham, when for a week all the concert venues are taken over by youngsters from all over the UK, with every form of music making The city was abuzz with participants of all ages, plus relatives, friends & teachers. Who says music is not cool in the UK! My grandson was in the under 13 chamber class,' Three Quarter Size ' ( see piccie ) Had one lived nearer it would have been worth going every day.

Tour de France - the leaders in The Pyrenees - Stage 14/15

2010-07-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

17/7/2010. The bunch have just climbed and descended the 2,000m Port de Pailheres and have arrived in Ax les Thermes. Ahead they have another steep 7.8 km of climb to the ski area of Ax les Trois Domaines, the uphill finish of that stage.
You can see Alberto Contador (in the Astana strip) ahead of Andy Schleck (who is wearing the yellow jersey for the last time). In the next controversial stage, Schleck had a chain problem (a "mechanical") - but Contador pressed home his advantage, gaining 8 seconds over Schleck and capturing the maillot jaune for himself.
18/7/2010. Here's a slow motion shot of Lance Armstrong's breakaway group descending the Col du Tormalet during Stage 15. They were never caught by the peleton, but Lance's hope of a dream finish were dashed - he came 6th.

24/7/2010. Today are the time trials at Bordeaux. Tomorrow they finish along the Champs Elysees in Paris. Will British sprinter Mark Cavendish succeed in winning his fifth stage? Will Petacchi (currently in the green sprinters jersey) succeed in getting enough points to hold on to it - he needs to be at least fifth if Cav wins in Paris.

25/7/2010. Well we now know that Cav streaked over the line for his fifth stage win, miles ahead of anyone else, but didn't get the green jersey, which stayed with Petacchi.
.
Oh, and some of us now need to get out our instruments and prepare for our summer music courses! Isn't the summer great? Grittleton music course next week.

While some of us are enjoying the sunshine....

2010-06-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

This basking shark - said to be 27' long - was video'd by Ian Kilpatrick off St Anthony's Head. It was as long as his boat....

Others of us have been doing a spot of cycling - (eg 300km round a Swedish lake - click here)

Let me know what you have been up to and I'll blog it on the PSO website. Pictures really welcome!

PSO rehearsal dates

Next term's rehearsals will start on 6th September

Concerts 21st and 24th November

Next year's concerts will be on:

27th and 30th March, 11th and 15th June and 20th and 23rd November 2011

Marjon PSO

Rehearsal dates for 2010 – 2011

September - Monday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th in the Drama Theatre

October - Monday 4th, 11th,18th in the Drama Theatre

November - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd (Drama Theatre not available), in the Chaplaincy

January - 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st Drama Theatre

February - 7th, 14th, 28th Drama Theatre only on 7th, 14th & 28th , Chaplaincy

March - 7th, 14th, 21st Drama Theatre not available, in the Chaplaincy

April - 4th, 11th, 18th Drama Theatre only on 18th, 4th & 11th in the Chaplaincy

May - 9th, 16th, 23rd

June - 6th Drama Theatre

FOCUS on Chris Watson

2010-06-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

I started learning the violin, aged 8, with Mr Burns, who, for my first lesson, taught me to play the scale of G major, in 2 octaves, and told me to practise that for 45 mins per day until my next lesson. I obediently did just that; no wonder I was banished to the bathroom to practise!

I grew up in Blackburn where there were plenty of opportunities for me to indulge in singing, playing the piano, violin and even French horn - the Choral Society, Arts Club, school and youth orchestras, chamber music, competitive music festivals. For a time I considered music as a profession but decided I’d probably enjoy it more as a hobby. That has always felt like the right decision for me.

At Durham University I studied French & German but seemed to spend more time in the Music Department than in the Languages Department. Again I was involved in many musical societies and activities. One highlight was being cast as Lady Jane in the G & S opera ‘Patience’ and ‘playing’ a cello with string as strings, while the actual tune was played beautifully in the pit by a ‘proper’ cellist.

Then based in the London area I continued orchestral playing and also sang for one season with the BBC Choral Society. This included singing in the First and Last Night of the Proms and also in a performance of Belshazzar’s Feast, conducted by the composer himself, Sir William Walton.

When I moved to Hertfordshire I joined the Dacorum Symphony Orchestra and had the opportunity to take part in regular concerts and all their foreign tours and exchanges, which have taken us to France, Germany and Italy. At first I played in the 1st Violin section before one summer, deciding to teach myself to read the alto clef and returning in the autumn term as a viola player – there’s nothing like Ravel‘s ‘Daphnis & Chloe’ as a baptism of fire for sight-reading alto clef music.

I once appeared as a contestant in Radio 4’s music quiz programme ‘Counterpoint’, under the benign chairmanship of the late Ned Sherrin, but failed to press my buzzer quickly enough to win through to a 2nd round

My musical involvement in Plymouth started from 2001 when I came to work at the University Library. I quickly got involved in local musical scene, joining the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, University orchestra & chamber choir, South West Chamber Choir & finding like-minded chamber music enthusiasts. As my family base is still in Hertfordshire I continue to perform with the Dacorum Symphony Orchestra when possible and to join in their foreign tours, most recently to Florence for a 3rd time, to perform the Verdi Requiem outdoors near the Uffizi Gallery and the Piazza Signoria

Music will always be an integral part of my life. Having recently retired from paid employment I’m enjoying the opportunity to practise more regularly and hopefully to improve. Maybe I’ll even have time to take up another instrument??

PSO film music concert calls for encore!

2010-06-13T03:06:00.000-07:00

Elsa the Lioness - Born Free

What a great concert of film music! Cracking good playing by the orchestra, in particular the soloists in Schindler's List and Gabriel's Oboe.

To see a review of the performance by Philip Buttall, click here

BBC Young Musician 2000 to play with the PSO

2010-05-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Photo by Hanya Chlala ArenaPAL

Remember to put Wednesday 24th November in your diary - 7.30pm at the Plymouth Guildhall! Concert kindly sponsored by the Foster Charitable Trust.

If you like the Dvorak cello concerto, you won't be disappointed! The programme will also include Sibelius, Bax and Britten, just to make sure your musical experience will be varied!

See Guy Johnston's website for more details about Guy's meteoric rise to stardom!

JOHN WEEKES - grandson of the founder of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra

2010-05-13T02:40:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Chris Robinson and The Herald

JOHN WEEKES

30 October 1910 – 10^th April 2010

John Weekes, who was Chairman of the Plymouth Orchestral Society for many years, came from a long line of musicians. The Orchestra was founded in September 1875 by John’s grandfather, Dr Samuel Weekes, who already conducted his own choral society in Plymouth. John’s father, Walter Weekes, returned in about 1900 to Plymouth from his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London and became deputy conductor, and subsequently conductor – a post he held until 1939. Family tradition has it that a connection can be forged back to Thomas Weelkes, the seventeenth century composer of madrigals and other religious works.

John was a talented but largely untrained musician in spite of these illustrious predecessors. He was a good brass player but also played percussion instruments and, ultimately, became the Orchestra’s timpanist. His younger sister, Peggy, played the cello and was a member of the Orchestra until her marriage.

John’s first memory of the Orchestra was at the aged of 9, having a single stroke to play on the gong in the last movement of Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony. He sat with the orchestra for two hours waiting to play his one note! This could have been the beginning of a lifetime of counting bars at the back of the orchestra but his wife was convinced he could sit at the timpani, read his newspaper, and somehow sense when he had an entry!

Much to the chagrin of his classically-trained father, John also had a liking for jazz, and what he used to call ‘dance bands’. He started up a dance band, later taken over by Frank Fuge, for the Moorland Links Hotel, a new hotel near Yelverton which opened just after the war.

John was for many years the Orchestra’s timpanist. The art of the timpanist is often underrated. Not only do you have to hit the drum at the right time (with a large penalty in embarrassment if you get it wrong), but in those days before automatic tuning, you had often to retune the drums manually while the Orchestra continued to play. That process required a very fine ear, and one of the blessings of John’s life was that he retained his hearing unimpaired until his death. Indeed, in his last few weeks of life, music on the radio was about the only thing that roused him from sleep and brought a smile to his face.

Click here for Herald article dated 19th April 2006 "The life and times of John Weekes"

FILM MUSIC PROGRAMME - 9th June Plymouth Guildhall

2010-05-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal venues at Marjon

May 10th - Room 1010
May 17th - The Chapel
May 24th - The Chapel

Concerts:
Sterts 5th June. Plymouth Guildhall 9th June - both at 7.30pm

Film Music Programme
Click to hear YouTube version!

1. The Dam Busters - Eric Coates

2. Schindler's List - John Williams

3. 633 Squadron - Ron Goodwin

4. Things to Come - Bliss

5. Pirates of the Caribbean - Klaus Badelt

INTERVAL

6. Gladiator - Hans Zimmer

7. Gabriel's Oboe (The Mission) - Ennio Morricone

8. The Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore

9. Death in Venice - Adagietto - Gustav Mahler

10. On Screen - Superman (John Williams), Born Free (John Barry), Star Wars (John Williams) - arr Eric Wetherell

TWEET
Search on Twitter for @PSO. Go on!

Children - come and hear the Orchestra play for free!

2010-05-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

FREE TICKETS FOR CHILDREN!!!!

80 free tickets have been made available for children to come to the next PSO Guildhall concert (Film Music - on Wednesday 9th June) through the offices of the Plymouth Music Accord. They can be booked through Clive Jenkins on 01752 863348.

Plymouth Music Accord website has further contact details, including email addresses

The Chaplaincy - 24th May rehearsal

2010-04-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Next week's rehearsal (24th May) will be in the Chaplaincy at Marjon. We've just heard that the Drama Theatre is being refurbished! Just one rehearsal before we pitch up under canvass, playing in the Sterts Theatre near Liskeard.

Not many rehearsals left, then - but all that wonderful film music just waiting to be played. Not sure if I prefer to think of myself as a Gladiator or as a Pirate - these days there doesn't seem to be much difference!

It's been a long time since the violas have had to play the Um, POM POM, Um POM POM stuff, but at least it goes by so quickly you hardly notice it - and then it seems to have been fun after all. Particularly when the haunting Gabriel's Oboe tune is played so nicely!

Thanks, too, to the Suzanne Sparrow Language School, based in Plymouth, for sponsoring us at these two concerts. How nice it is that local businesses are supporting the Arts. Let us hope that some of their language students will be inspired by the evenings! We will certainly be playing in the universal language of music for them.

There is NO REHEARSAL on 31st May. Sterts at 2pm on 5th June is the next one after 24th May

OK no more excuses like volcanoes and bike rides!

2010-04-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to hearing what you've already been doing last week with the Film Music we are to play at the next concert.

Some of us weren't able to be there because they were stuck in distant parts (like Geneva) and had to charter buses all the way to Roscoff in order to get back at all.

Others were actually cycling to Roscoff, which is rather a long way from Santander where we had started...

Anyhow, whatever the excuse, we'll all be there tonight!

Marjon - here we come!

2010-03-22T03:36:00.000-07:00

Last week saw the first PSO rehearsal in UCP Marjon - and we much enjoyed playing in Room 101, despite its connotation! In future we may be in the Drama Theatre from time to time, always assuming that it's not booked by drama students!

How nice it is to be welcomed by our new sponsors - and long may the association flourish!

Next term's rehearsals start on 19th April. Further dates to follow.

Room 101 - is there a message here?!

2010-03-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

NEXT REHEARSAL

1. Venue

As announced by Anne at the last rehearsal, the rehearsal next Monday 15th will be at MarJon. Ian Banbury has booked Room 101 in the Henry Durowse Centre. Map attached. Ian writes:

"If everyone parks in the first large car park they come to, the building in front of them with the red window frames is the HDC building. On the side facing them is a ramp or stairs to the doors, which they go through and take the corridor on the left. Room 101 is at the end. If they follow the arrow and circumnavigate the building the entrance is halfway down and they would therefore turn right on entry."

2. Stands

Please take your own stand for this rehearsal, to avoid the necessity of collecting them from Swarthmore until storage is sorted out in Marjon.

3. Transport

Does anyone need transport to Marjon? Several players have said they would like a lift from the Mutley area - can anyone help with this?

4. Refreshments

Although he hopes to have refreshments offered at Marjon in the future, Ian suggests that this time you would be advised to bring your own refreshments.

PARKING for Guildhall

5. We have been granted permission to use the Court car park for the dress rehearsal and the concert events. Dave will be officiating as usual.

POST-CONCERT PARTY

6. Rob K is organising the party after the concert, which will be in the Astor room. Cost £2.50 - pay at the door!

If the PSO doesn't have your email address - please let me have it at the next rehearsal!

Sean

Posters are out for the next concert!

2010-03-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Posters are appearing all over Plymouth and the surrounding area. There is a map of where the posters are displayed - check that your poster location is recorded correctly - and next time see where the coverage needs to be improved. You could dramatically improve the turnout by ensuring full poster coverage!

Here is an example of postering with a bit of beef in it! Taken at Trev the Butcher, Newton Hill, Newton Ferrers.

Thanks very much to all the posterers and leafleters. Well done!

Stanley Braithwaite - Friend of the PSO

2010-02-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

The PSO acknowledges with gratitude the very generous bequest made to the orchestra by Stanley Braithwaite, who died in November 2009. We are all delighted to learn from his daughter, Fiona Liddicoat, that her father was impressed by the high standard of the music performed by the PSO. She writes "Long may you all continue to give pleasure to lovers of classical music in, and around Plymouth".

Stanley Braithwaite was a Friend of the orchestra for several years, having arrived in Plymouth from Basingstoke on his retirement . His interest in classical music stemmed from attending Blakey Moor Central School in Blackburn in the 1930s. The school was adjacent to King George's Hall, which boasted a music society. Stanley soon joined the ticket sellers and leafleters for the society. He also greatly admired The Hallé - his "local" (Manchester-based) symphony orchestra and he spoke highly of Sir John Barbirolli. Stanley enjoyed a an extensive range of classical music, but in later years he always came back to Mozart, who he said was "unsurpassable". While living in Basingstoke he often attended professional concerts; he felt there were much fewer such opportunities when he moved to the South-West.

Although he was never taught to play a musical instrument, his children remember his attempts to play the Mendelssohn Violin concerto - on a harmonica! According to his daughter, Stanley's musical tastes were strictly classical and "pop" music such as the Beatles was not "on the agenda". He encouraged his children to play musical instruments (clarinet, trumpet and violin - the later only short-lived, to the relief of all concerned!)

Stanley described his discovery of the PSO in Plymouth as a "milestone". By his bequest, Stanley Braithwaite has helped to ensure that other music lovers may continue to enjoy the music that he loved.

Tasmin Little - Two year anniversary

2010-02-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

It's two years since Tasmin Little came to play with us at the Guildhall - and two years since Miranda and Sean were unable to get back for the concert from South Africa, as Miranda had become ill. Here is the card that you very kindly sent at that time, together with a clip from Debbie's camera showing Tasmin actually signing the card!

How time flies!

Poster Stickathon!

2010-02-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

There were Stickathons in both Devon and Cornwall so that the already printed posters could be amended to reflect the engagement of Helen Haviland as the singer in Star-gazing!

Thanks to the volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Now let the distribution of posters begin!

New soloist for Star-gazing

2010-02-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

Helen Haviland has agreed to sing Star-gazing in place of Suzanne Manuell who is unavailable. Having read music at Exeter University, Helen studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under Suzanne Murphy. She successfully auditioned for the college’s Opera Pathway course run by Donald Maxwell and Alwyn Mellor and was also winner of the Shirley Bassey scholarship.

She has performed in a number of musicals, operas and operettas; including most of the mezzo Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire in Plymouth, Bath and as part of the International G and S Festival at Buxton. Opera roles include: Prince Charming (Cendrillon), Nora (Riders to the Sea), Eurydice (Orpheus in the Underworld), Esmerelda (The Bartered Bride), Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro), Papagena (Die Zauberflöte) and Witch (Verdi’s Macbeth).

She has sung in many concerts, appearing as soloist most notably with the CBSO (under Simon Halsey) and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; she has also sung with Torbay Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Light Orchestra and Exeter University Symphony Orchestra and took part in the chorus of The Armed Man at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, under the composer Karl Jenkins’s baton. Helen has sung and recorded with the BBC National Chorus of Wales for radio – BBC Radio 3 and BBC Wales; television and commercial recordings and recently sang in a new recording of Sullivan’s ‘Ivanhoe’ for Chandos.

Helen works as a peripatetic teacher in schools in the Torbay and Exeter area. Recent engagements include appearing as mezzo soloist in Mahler’s Second Symphony with Torbay Symphony Orchestra and Howard Goodall’s ‘Eternal Light’ with Plymouth Philharmonic Choir.

Future engagements include mezzo soloist in Mozart’s Requiem at Buckfast Abbey; the role of Mad Margaret (Ruddigore) for Plymouth Gilbert & Sullivan Fellowship – in Plymouth, Sterts and at the Buxton Opera House; the role of Flora (La Traviata) for New Devon Opera and she will be appearing in concert at Plymouth Museum as part of its centenary celebrations in October.

PSO mobile web site

2010-02-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

Check out the new PSO mobile web presence! Go to this address on your mobile:

http://m.myxer.com/PSOUK

PSO Ringtones

2010-02-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Mussorgsky ringtone has been downloaded over a 1000 times! Try this yourselves:

More from Plymouth Symphony Orchestra at Myxer

This is the new PSO Stargazing ringtone, by Judy Whitlock with Suzanne Manuell:

More from Plymouth Symphony Orchestra at Myxer

Piano reduction of orchestral parts of Star-gazing

2010-02-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

By popular demand (!) Jude Whitlock can now make available to PSO players copies of the piano reduction of the orchestral parts of Star-gazing, including the full vocal line. Please contact jude@macace.net if you would like her to bring one for you to the next rehearsal.

An extract from the last performance can be heard by clicking on "Stargazing" in the Concert tab of the PSO website

Michael Wood - Principal flute

2010-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Michael Wood in Cat Duet Mode

The cat is out of the bag - Michael is our next Focus subject! Here is an excerpt from the Focus page to be published in the March concert programme:-

"Orchestral music and large scale romantic repertoire is where I feel most at home, so PSO is a great place to be. I enjoy the big noisy bits, but the real challenge comes from the chamber music that lies within; playing as part of an ensemble with friends in the wind section, or adding colour to a violin melody is always a challenge as rewarding as any.

Now in my 3^rd season as principal flute, I have enjoyed playing with PSO for many years, initially as an extra playing piccolo. I have been fortunate to play in several orchestras, including concerts in some major venues in London and to have taken part in the Endellion Festival under the late Sir Richard Hickox. Away from the orchestra, I give occasional solo recitals and teach privately.

I studied the flute with Harold Clarke at Trinity College of Music in the ‘80s and like to keep topped up with new ideas by attending some of the summer schools and major conferences that make the world of flute playing such a great place both musically and socially. My formal studies were completed with a year under the expert guidance of Bernard Keefe as a conductor."

Next rehearsal - 8th March

2010-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

At the next rehearsal Helen Haviland will be signing Star-gazing with us! And we'll be rehearsing the inner movements of the Symphony as well. A rehearsal not to miss!

Judy Whitlock - composer of Stargazing

2010-01-27T15:26:00.000-08:00

Judy was born in 1961 and grew up in Hinckley, Leicestershire, beginning music lessons at the age of six. With a Music Degree from Durham University and a PGCE from Cambridge University she moved to the South West (and joined the PSO) in 1983.
Judy has since become well-known in the region as a Double Bassist, Pianist, Jazz Singer and Secondary School Head of Music. After completing an MA in Music for Film and Television at Bournemouth University in the mid 1990’s she has built a reputation locally as a Composer.
'Star-gazing', first performed in 2007, is her third commission for the PSO (following ‘Eclipse’ in 1999 and ‘Dartmoor Letterboxes’ in 2002). Other large-scale commissioned works include ‘This Earth Beautiful’ and a co-written children’s musical ‘There’s Moor Around’. Judy has recently collaborated on the music for a Radio 4 drama 'The Cloths of Heaven' to be aired in mid-March.

(A CD of 'Star-gazing' by the PSO with Suzanne Manuell is on sale and a CD of ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Dartmoor Letterboxes’ is also available). Contact jude@macace.net

Become a Friend of the PSO!

2010-01-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

Some supporters of the orchestra are willing to augment the money they already pay for concert tickets, by becoming Friends of the orchestra. Friends assist the orchestra by paying an extra few pounds each year. The most valuable reward to our Friends is the awareness that they are helping the City of Plymouth to maintain its own symphony orchestra. The revenue on which the orchestra depends comes from the annual subscription paid by each player for the privilege and joy of playing plus the contributions from the orchestra’s Friends, together with ticket income. The Friends’ annual donations contribute significantly towards the expense of music hire, soloists’ fees and publicity. The list of Friends' names appears in each concert programme.

Become a Friend by donating £30. If you can Gift Aid your donation it will increase the amount received to £37.50 plus transitional relief (see Gov UK).

Download donation and Gift Aid form (Word document)

PSO van driver sought

2010-01-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

We need a volunteer to drive the PSO van, which transports equipment and instruments to and from each concert venue. Unpaid and unsociable hours - but what a welcome from the orchestra when you arrive!
Seriously, all offers will be considered. It may well be that a rota system is the answer. Would each section be prepared to produce a driver once a year, for example?
Please contact Tony Jeffs or Anne Kimber if you would like to put your (or someone else's!) name forward.

27th November 1946

2010-01-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

Back in 1946 the orchestra was already 70 years old. In a special performance shortly after the end of WWII, under the baton of Auberry Pryor, we were playing an extended programme that included 2 overtures by Brahms and Wagner, a Beethoven symphony (nr 8), a Tchaikovsky piano concerto (Nr 1), a Delius tone poem, a string and timpani piece by Sibelius, before concluding triumphantly with Crown Imperial (composed by Walton only 9 years before).
The pianist that night was the celebrated Irene Kohler, who had spent much of the war years giving recitals to the troops in Belgium, France, Burma and India. During the interval the Lord Mayor of Plymouth made a presentation to its President, W.P.Weekes, who also conducted the Prelude to Act 3 of Wagner's Lohengrin. The orchestra had been founded 70 years before by Samuel Weekes.
And that programme price - 6d in 1946? Good value, as it is worth about 75p nowadays. Currently the PSO programme price is £1.50

PSO on Twitter

2010-01-18T02:20:00.001-08:00

If you do a Twitter search for @PSO you'll find the latest PSO related messages