I've heard of a couple new London amateur orchestras lately, and since September is when our minds turn to a new orchestral term, I thought I'd share them:
West London Strings: a new group for string players only of Grade 3 standard and upwards, their main aim is to be a supportive place to play. I know some of the people involved and it's sure to be a good group. They've started already, so get in touch ASAP. Rehearsals are Monday evenings.
Harmony Sinfonia: a new full symphony orchestra in Lewisham, so those of you in southeast London rejoice. Open to amateurs and semi-professionals, says the advert passed on to me, including music students. Everything from classical up to new work by UK composers. Rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, contact Lindsay Ryan for more info.
There's my orchestra, Chamber Academy Orchestra, now rehearsing near Great Portland Street in West London and a brilliant group of people if I do say so myself. Full orchestral works, fairly challenging (I just about scrape by at the back end of the cello section). Rehearsals are Thursday evenings.
And of course, there's also the East London Late Starters Orchestras of varying abilities and levels, from the very very beginning to tackling some challenging full orchestral works, there's something for almost everyone.
It will be a little while before I get back to the orchestra, as on 31 August I gave birth to my son, Elliot. Everyone is healthy and happy, but just a wee bit tired. I'm thinking about cello playing, but haven't quite got it out yet. Soon.
