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Dominic Wheeler
Hereford Fantasia a Triumph
16th November 2011
Hereford’s new musical charity, The Herefordshire Music Fund, was launched in style by an inspiring concert in a packed Hereford Cathedral on Friday, 4th November. The collaborative venture organised by Hereford Sixth Form College, involved players from the English Symphony Orchestra, the College and over 100 pupils from St Paul’s, Walford and Weston-Under-Penyard Primary Schools.
The concert opened with a rousing performance of Parry’s I was Glad performed by the Academia Musica Choir and Orchestra (comprising Music Scholars from Hereford Sixth Form College) and the English Symphony Orchestra. This was followed by lyrical and moving playing by Michael Bochmann, leader of the ESO, in Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending. A key aspect of the concert was the involvement of young players, students and professionals in collaboration. Commenting afterwards Michael Bochmann said, “The occasion was seriously important for the future of music and music education in Herefordshire, a big event of real significance. What was heart-warming too was the very enthusiastic response from children and teachers. One little boy said to me ‘I really like music now’!”
A highlight of the concert was the world première of a new work Song of the Millenials, for chorus and orchestra by Helena Cavan, associate composer of the ESO which featured over 100 young string players and solos from violinist, Sam Ellis Ruhemann and soprano, Alison Bell. After the concert Helena said “I was literally speechless. The standard of commitment to learning the piece as accurately as possible and the exceptional quality of delivery were on a par with the professional ensembles I have worked with previously. It was a real honour for me to work with the Sixth Form College and be part of last night’s special event”.
The concert was directed by Guest Conductor, Dominic Wheeler, a professor at the Royal Academy of Musi, who said “Many congratulations on an incredible event. I was immensely impressed by the accomplishment and professionalism of the Sixth Form College students, the level of ownership and self-responsibility with which they are operating musically and if a modicum of that gets through to the younger children involved the fruit could be very exciting. Many thanks for allowing me the privilege of being involved”.
Jonathan Godfrey, Principal of the College, said “I particularly wish to thank Michael Bochmann, Helena Cavan and our Director of Music, Aryan Arji, for their boundless energy and enthusiasm without which this concert could not have happened and Cliff Woollard and Alison Bell of Herefordshire Music Service for their commitment and support. In addition many music staff and students worked extremely hard to prepare for this event. The generous praise from the professionals involved is a reflection of the standards Aryan has achieved with students at the College which continue to amaze me.” The Academia Musica choir and orchestra are performing Mozart’s Symphony No.40 and Coronation Mass in the Courtyard Theatre on Saturday 14th.January 2012 and a concert in Hereford cathedral on Friday 23rd March featuring a performance of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto by Sam Ellis Ruhemann. Both concerts are in aid of the Herefordshire Music Fund.
The Herefordshire Music Fund has been established to support students of any age attending Herefordshire schools with financial support to receive instrumental and vocal tuition who otherwise could not afford to do so. Further information about making a donation can be found on the College music web-site www.music.hereford.ac.uk or by contacting Hereford Sixth Form College on 01432 355166.
Listen to Vaughan Williams' Lark Ascending from the Hereford Fantasia concert by clicking this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPnD2Iiok84&feature=share
Click the following link to see photos from the event: http://www.review.hereford.ac.uk/albums/2011/11/16/hereford-fantasia
Ed,