Rehearsal Orchestra

We’re looking forward to tackling Walton’s comic opera, The Bear, at our next course in February. Described as an "Extravaganza in One Act" and written to a commission from the Koussevitzsky Foundation, it’s an adaptation of Chekhov’s play, to a libretto by Paul Dehn and Walton. It showcases the composer’s witty parodies, à la Façade. The Bear was first performed at the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh on 3 June 1967.

There's still room for a trumpet, a trombone, a pianist, a percussionist and strings.

Apply here 👉 http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

In case you were thinking Walton with a koala was a tenuous choice of image, we've added one of Chekhov (on the right) with his mongoose, Sv***ch.

Last Sunday we had a brilliant time working on Brahms Symphony No. 4 at our conducting workshop with young conductors from the Royal College of Music: Michal Oren, Sam Scheer and Alex Mackinder. A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our new venture, and especially to our conductors!

You can catch all three (as well as Leif Tse who was indisposed last week) again next Sunday 19th November at the RCM Conductors' Podium: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/events/details/?id=2882929

Introducing: Sam Scheer, conductor

Our conducting workshop on Sunday 5th November gives four student conductors at the Royal College of Music the chance to work with the Rehearsal Orchestra on a movement of Brahms Symphony no 4, overseen by our Artistic Director, Levon Parikian, and culminating in our usual Open Rehearsal at the end of the afternoon.

Sam Scheer is the founder and Music Director of The Campanella Orchestra, comprising players from London's conservatoires. With Campanella, Sam has performed major symphonic works, including Shostakovich’s Symphony no 9 and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony no 2, as well as concertos with some of the country’s most exciting young soloists.

Sam received a scholarship to study conducting at the Royal College of Music, commencing in September 2023, following undergraduate studies at RCM as a viola player under the tutelage of Jonathan Barritt. As an orchestral violist, Sam has performed with many leading conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Sir Mark Elder and, at the BBC Proms, with Mark Wigglesworth.

Previously, in 2016 and 2017, Sam conducted concerts on tour in Sweden and Germany with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra.

HORN NEEDED! We have a last-minute horn vacancy for Sunday's conducting workshop on Brahms Symphony No. 4. Please get in touch ASAP if you'd like to play! http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Introducing: Michal Oren, conductor

Our conducting workshop on Sunday 5th November gives four student conductors at the Royal College of Music the chance to work with the Rehearsal Orchestra on a movement of Brahms Symphony no 4, overseen by our Artistic Director, Levon Parikian, and culminating in our usual Open Rehearsal at the end of the afternoon.

Michal Oren is an award-winning conductor and a clarinettist from Tel-Aviv, currently studying for her Master of Performance in orchestral conducting at the RCM with a full scholarship.

Michal has won First Prizes at the 4th International Academy of Orchestra Conducting in Estoril, Portugal, and in the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music conducting competition, Israel.

She is a Victor and Lilian Hochhauser Scholar, Residence Music Scholar of the Robert Anderson Trust and, since 2015, scholar of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation.

Both her Bachelors of Music, in orchestral conducting and clarinet performance, were awarded with distinction by the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University.

Michal's work combines classical music with visual arts exhibits and presents a new approach in the 21st century's cultural creation; she is the founder and musical curator of the “Museum Orchestra” of the Petach-Tikva Museum of Art.

In her free time, Michal loves to explore the food scene in London and she is also trying to commit to sporting activity, to keep a balance between the two.

Photo by Olivia Da Costa

Introducing: Alexander Mackinder, conductor

Our conducting workshop on Sunday 5th November gives four student conductors at the Royal College of Music the chance to work with the Rehearsal Orchestra on a movement of Brahms Symphony no 4, overseen by our Artistic Director, Levon Parikian, and culminating in our usual Open Rehearsal at the end of the afternoon.

Born and raised in London, Alexander Mackinder has participated in masterclasses led by Martyn Brabbins, Vasily Petrenko, Colin Metters and Rüdiger Bohn. His recent engagements include assisting Ryan Bancroft and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in works by Robert Schumann and Gustav Mahler.

Later this year, Alex will take up a position as the new Assistant Conductor of the Elgar Sinfonia of London, while forthcoming performances at RCM will include the world premiere of Anian Wiedner’s Violin Concerto and a showcase of Japanese classical music, including works by Yoshimatsu and Ryuichi.

Alex is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The Sirius Orchestra which brings together students from all of London’s major music conservatoires and provides extra-curricular music-making opportunities to assist their transition into the professional sphere.

Having previously received an MA (Distinction) in Classics at Durham University, Alex is currently studying orchestral conducting at RCM under Toby Purser, Peter Stark and Howard Williams.

Alex has a special interest in film music and earlier this year collaborated with several postgraduate composers in the RCM Film Music Showcase. He also has a long-standing passion for musical theatre and barbershop harmony.

Photo by Kaupo Kikkas

Introducing: Leif Tse, conductor

Our conducting workshop on Sunday 5th November gives four student conductors at the Royal College of Music the chance to work with the Rehearsal Orchestra on a movement of Brahms Symphony no 4, overseen by our Artistic Director, Levon Parikian, and culminating in our usual Open Rehearsal at the end of the afternoon.

Canadian/Hong Kong conductor Leif Tse is the founder of Freude Orchestra and was recently music director of Streatham St Bart’s Chamber Orchestra and South London String Orchestra. He has also conducted the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra and the Hungarian National Symphony Orchestra Szeged.

Leif is currently pursuing a Master of Performance in Conducting at the Royal College of Music as a Christopher Hogwood Scholar, studying with Toby Purser, Peter Stark and Howard Williams. He graduated with First Class Honours from Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he trained as a baritone under the tutelage of John Evans.

Apart from conducting and singing, Leif is interested in visual arts, fashion and languages. He is also a passionate home cook who loves making fresh pasta and ramen!

Our 2024 weekend courses are now open for applications! Some VERY big repertoire coming up, and we are excited to be returning to Manchester after some 20 years.

BURSARIES are available to help current and recent students to attend.

Get the full details and apply now via our website:
http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

APPLICATIONS OPEN! Sunday 5 November 2023

In a new venture for us, to expand our work in nurturing the musicians of the future, we’ll hold a one-day workshop with four students from the postgraduate conducting programme at the Royal College of Music, nominated by Toby Purser, Head of Conducting at RCM, and overseen by our Artistic Director, Levon Parikian.

Each student conductor will work with the orchestra on a movement of Brahms Symphony no 4, culminating in our usual Open Rehearsal at the end of the afternoon. It promises to be an interesting and inspiring day!

TO APPLY 👉 http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Come hear our free Open Rehearsal in Edinburgh this afternoon! 2-4pm in the Main Hall, George Heriot’s School, Lauriston Place, EH3 9EQ. Gorgeous music by Sibelius, Ravel and Duke Ellington!

Finishing a long day’s work with a session on Avril Coleridge-Taylor’s ‘Sussex Landscape’.

Kicking off Edinburgh week 2023 with some light classics! Can you identify the “triple concerto” solo instrument (and piece) of the evening?

URGENT! We are looking for a harp to join our rehearsal week in Edinburgh, 5th to 11th August. Great harp repertoire includes Strauss “Tod und Verklärung”, Ravel “La Valse”, (Avril) Coleridge-Taylor “Sussex Landscape”, Rachmaninov Symphony no 3, Sibelius Symphony no 1, Shostakovich Symphony no 6, Maconchy “The Land” and Ellington “Three Black Kings”.

More info about the week at http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses -24 . Bursary available (over 18s only) including self-catering accommodation, if needed. Part-time may be possible for someone who is not free all week. Rehearsals take place during the day, with the evenings left free for players to explore the Festival and Fringe.

Please email [email protected] for info.

There is still time to visit MUSICIANS AT THE CHAPEL today and tomorrow! You are warmly invited to an exhibition of drawings and paintings of musicians by Adele Wagstaff, Rehearsal Orchestra artist-in-residence (and violinist).
http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/musicians-chapel

Work is on sale in aid of Rehearsal Orchestra: there is something for every budget, from larger works in oils to a whole tableful of smaller sketches and drawings to rummage through.

Until 1 July 2023 in the extraordinary Chapel at Brompton Cemetery - open 2-5.30pm daily.

MUSICIANS AT THE CHAPEL
You are warmly invited to an exhibition of drawings and paintings of musicians by Adele Wagstaff, Rehearsal Orchestra artist-in-residence (and violinist).

27 June to 1 July 2023 in the The Chapel, Brompton Cemetery.
http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/musicians-chapel
Work on sale in aid of Rehearsal Orchestra.

The incomparable Victoria Wood would have been 70 today. Thanks to The Victoria Wood Foundation which builds on her legacy, at the beginning of 2022 we were able to launch our Play ON bursary scheme to support students and young professional musicians. http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Our course this Sunday (21st May) still has places for HORN, VIOLA and PERCUSSION. The last London course of the season, we'll be playing the complete version of de Falla's Three-Cornered Hat: bring on the castanets (and orchestra-clapping)! Conducted by Timothy Redmond. With mezzo soprano Hannah Andrusier.
STUDENT AND GRADUATE BURSARIES AVAILABLE.
👉 http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Trumpet and trombone places have now been filled, but there's still space for a HORN, PERCUSSION & STRINGS on our course next Sunday. Please get in touch with our administrator if you would like to play!

Our final London course this season - de Falla's Three-Cornered Hat (complete ballet) - on Sunday 21 May still has places for a horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, percussion and strings (particularly violins). Student and graduate bursaries are available.
👉 http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Our final London course this season - de Falla's Three-Cornered Hat (complete ballet) - on Sunday 21 May still has places for a horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, percussion and strings (particularly violins). Student and graduate bursaries are available.
👉 http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra was commissioned by the Crown Film Unit for an educational film. Instruments of the Orchestra (featuring the London Symphony Orchestra) was released in November 1946, a month or so after the concert premiere (by Liverpool Philharmonic) of Britten's piece.

Instruments of the Orchestra Sir Malcolm Sargent presents, and conducts the London Symphony Orchestra, in a performance of Britten's Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra. The music was c...

You can find out more about our Play ON bursaries, funded by the Victoria Wood Foundation, and apply via our Courses page: http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

For our next course this Sunday 23 April we have a last-minute vacancy for a clarinet and can also fit in a few more violins.

In 2021, we were pleased to support the bursary programme at Rehearsal Orchestra, which offers fully-funded places on their weekend courses for conservatoire students and recent graduates across all sections of orchestra.

A place has become available for a CLARINET (or possibly bass clarinet) for Dorothy Howell’s Lamia at our course this Sunday 23 April in central London, conducted by Tess Jackson
- a great chance to get to know the piece!
http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses
Student/graduate bursaries are available. Probable 11.30 start (TBC) for the Howell. Please get in touch with our Administrator ASAP if you are interested in playing!

Dorothy Howell's symphonic poem Lamia was inspired by the eponymous Keats poem. Premiered at the Proms on 10 September 1919, conducted by Sir Henry Wood, it became a momentous success for the 21-year-old composer: a second Proms performance had to be scheduled for the same week! The work was frequently performed in subsequent years.

We'll be studying Lamia for the first time next Sunday 23 April (at the Henry Wood Hall, rather appropriately!), conducted by Tess Jackson. There are still spaces for violins: http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses Student and graduate bursaries are available.

Picture: Lamia, by John William Waterhouse.

We receive news of an important birthday cake delivery to the absolute legend that is our Principal Viola, Stephen Shakeshaft - many happy returns!

(Photo: S. Norman)

Dorothy Howell's symphonic poem Lamia was inspired by the eponymous Keats poem. Premiered at the Proms on 10 September 1919, conducted by Sir Henry Wood, it became a momentous success for the 21-year-old composer: a second Proms performance had to be scheduled for the same week! The work was frequently performed in subsequent years.

We'll be studying Lamia for the first time next Sunday 23 April (at the Henry Wood Hall, rather appropriately!), conducted by Tess Jackson. There are still spaces for violins: http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses Student and graduate bursaries are available.

Picture: Lamia, by John William Waterhouse.

"Everything I read about The Beatles gives me pleasure." Top quotes from Benjamin Britten in this interview from 1968. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41uBCBzsz2U

We'll be studying The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra at our next course on Sunday 23rd April (together with Dorothy Howell's Lamia). Some vacancies still available, particularly for violins.

Benjamin Britten interview, 1968 Britten in 1968 talking to a CBC interviewer about how he sees his role as a composer. He explains that his approach is always to write for a person or occa...

On Sunday 23rd April the fantastic Tess Jackson returns to RO to conduct our course on Howell - Lamia & Britten - The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.
There are still places for violins, basses and percussion. Student & graduate bursaries are available.
For info & to apply: http://www.rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Last week, Tess Jackson was listed on Classic FM's Rising Stars of 2023 list: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/rising-stars-30-young-musicians-2023/

Congratulations to Tess Jackson, conductor of our April course, who has been chosen as one of Classic FM's Rising Stars for 2023! We look forward to playing with you again!

Classic FM’s Rising Stars: 30 sensational musicians performing in 2023 Introducing the 30 musicians under the age of 30, that we’re championing as Classic FM’s Rising Stars in 2023.

Join our next course on Sunday 23 April in central London! Howell - Lamia & Britten - The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Spaces available for strings, a horn, a trumpet & percussion. Conducted by Tess Jackson.
Student & graduate BURSARIES AVAILABLE.
👉http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

While Britten’s orchestral showpiece needs little introduction, we’re looking forward to exploring Howell’s work, based on a Keats poem of the same name, which received its premiere at the Proms in 1919, an extraordinary success for the then 21 year old composer.

We have two bursary programmes which offer free places on London weekends to current and recent students, one specifically for players in co-principal strings seats and one that applies to section places across the orchestra, generously funded by the Victoria Wood Foundation. Please spread the word!

Important words from our Artistic Director.

The Power of Music Music | covid | vandalism

"Girl Conducts Symphony"! One of the greatest successes of Kaprálová's career was conducting the BBC Orchestra in her Military Sinfonietta (Vojenská symfonieta) at the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) Festival in London in June 1938. This is what her teacher Bohuslav Martinů wrote about the performance (including some extremely 'of its time' comment):

"The very first item on the programme of the festival was Military Sinfonietta by Vítězslava Kaprálová – an opening with great promise for both the festival and the composer. Her performance was awaited with interest as well as some curiosity – a girl with a baton is quite an unusual phenomenon – and when our 'little girl conductor' (as the English newspapers called her) appeared before the orchestra, she was welcomed by a supportive audience. She stood before the orchestra with great courage and both her composition and performance earned her respect and applause from the excellent BBC orchestra, the audience, and the critics… Kaprálová’s international debut is a success, promising and encouraging."

Sir Charles Mackerras conducting the Czech Philharmonic in Taras Bulba. We studied the piece with him in our 50th anniversary year in 2007!

Leoš Janáček - Taras Bulba (Česká filharmonie, Sir Charles Mackerras) Záznam skladby Taras Bulba: Rhapsody for Orchestra od Leoše Janáčka v podání České filharmonie pod taktovkou Sira Charlese Mackerrase. Obsah:I.The Death of A...

In her Suita rustica (1938), the 23-year-old Kaprálová was working to a commission for a symphonic work based on folk tunes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNlaUKdarHw

The Kaprálová Society introduce the work and its sources here: http://www.kapralova.org/Suita%20rustica.pdf

Suita rustica, Op. 19: I. Allegro rustico Provided to YouTube by Rebeat Digital GmbHSuita rustica, Op. 19: I. Allegro rustico · Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraVítězslava Kaprálová: Orchestral Works℗ ...

"I remember reading a story about Taras Bulba being played in Prague, conducted by Václav Talich. Talich actually struggled through one place because he couldn’t understand what was written there, and he was actually eager to ask Janáček when he was there in person, so he did. And Janáček basically didn’t remember what the solution was. He said something like, 'You know, last time we did it, it was probably done that way, but maybe we have forgotten, do exactly what you think is right.' "

We'll no doubt have many a knotty point to tackle with Taras Bulba this coming weekend, but in the meantime have a read of this great interview about Janáček with Jakub Hrůša:

Jakub Hrůša on Leoš Janáček “He was a composer who never stayed on the surface, he’d always dig in to touch something deeper.”

If 7 seconds of Janáček greeting guests on a loop is the content you're after, we can help. You're welcome.

Leos Janáček in Motion Here is the only film footage of the composer Leos Janáček, set to some of his late music. Though only seven seconds long, it captures his brusque, hectic s...

Next weekend's course will be our first venture into the music of Vítězslava Kaprálová, whose Suita Rustica (Op. 19) we'll be studying. Want to find out more about her?

The Fascinating Life of Vítězslava Kaprálová: a mini-documentary A short introduction to the life and music of Czech composer, Vítězslava Kaprálová. Performance of Vteřiny, op. 18, No. 1 "Bílým šátkem mává" (Manuscript fra...

We still have vacancies for a horn, violins, celli, basses and organ for our course on Janáček's Taras Bulba & Kaprálová's Suita Rustica on 4-5 March in central London. Student and graduate BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE. Get in touch!
👉 http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Our course on 4-5 March in central London will focus on Janáček's Taras Bulba & Kaprálová's Suita Rustica.
There are vacancies for strings, oboe, horn, trumpet, tenor or bass trombone, tuba and percussion.
Student and graduate BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE.
👉 http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

Play ON bursaries: Our newest bursary programme, funded by a grant from the Victoria Wood Foundation, offers places on our weekend courses to conservatoire students and recent graduates across all sections of the orchestra, particularly to those who graduated during the pandemic.

Our Co-Principal Strings Student Bursary scheme enables current conservatoire string students to work intensively on large-scale symphonic repertoire, at the same time as benefitting directly from the experience of our professional string principals.

👉 http://rehearsal-orchestra.org/courses

After-lunch session. 120% focus. Challenge accepted.

Help! We've just lost a (tenor) trombone for our course on Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements THIS AFTERNOON owing to travel problems. The course is at Henry Wood Hall in Borough, SE1 4HU. If you can help, please get in touch! Phone/email:

Contact | www.rehearsal-orchestra.org If you would like general information about the Rehearsal Orchestra, please fill in this form. If you would like to apply for courses, please visit the Courses page.