Christchurch Orchestra Festival

The Secondary Schools Orchestra Festival run by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in partnership with CWSMTA is a highlight in the school calendar, an excellent opportunity for students to play together, improve and learn, and aim to give of their best in a performance. It’s also a time for students and teachers to connect, and together celebrate music within our community.

The venue will be the Christchurch Town Hall!

Wed 18 Sept      9am-3pm workshops for Canterbury Orchestras

Sat 21 Sept         open rehearsal, CSO concert: The Planets (Zappa, Holst, LA Percussion Quartet) 7.30pm Town Hall

Sun 22 Sept         9am workshops for out of town orchestras, 1-3pm massed rehearsal with CSO chief conductor Benjamin Northey; 4pm Showcase Concert concluding with combined item

Workshops: Each Canterbury school, combined school or area submits an orchestra of high school students which perform a 15-20 minute programme for two commentators. The orchestra then breaks out into a 50-minute workshop with the commentators. When the students are not actively participating, they may observe other orchestras or there might be other performance opportunities around the city. (TBC)

Open rehearsal and CSO concert: As part of the orchestral experience, participating orchestras can observe the CSO rehearse and perform. The Planets programme for the 21 Sept is specially chosen for this teenage audience.

Workshops, Massed Item and Showcase Concert: Each out of town school submits an orchestra of high school students which perform a 15-20 minute programme for two commentators. The orchestra then breaks out into a 50 minute workshop with the commentators. In the afternoon, there will be a rehearsal for a massed item – where we fill the Town Hall floor with young players together with CSO players. Dynamic conductor Benjamin Northey, Chief Conductor of the CSO will take the rehearsal (and performance). In the late afternoon concert, each orchestra performs one 5-8 minute work on stage at the Town Hall. We conclude the performance with the massed item.

Orchestras do not need to be “complete”; large ensembles are very welcome.

Arrangements of works to suit your orchestra are welcome.

Fee: $220 + GST per orchestra

Please advise me if you wish to be added to our SSOF mail outs for next year.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nga mihi

Cathy