First Classical Concert for iPad and Tablet Audience

Published on Saturday, 30 March 2013 11:42

Interactive display for tablet users

Finding your way around a new piece of concert music can be a challenging task. The listener might be bombarded with an overwhelming array of abstract sounds that confuse and bewilder. For the premiere of Stephen Goss’ Piano Concerto, Mark Insoll (producer) and David Sweeney (editor) have created an interactive display, for users of the iPad and other tablet devices. Conceived as a wordless programme note, the display forms a visual counterpoint to Goss’ new work, revealing many of the influences behind the music.     

There are four separate parts to the display which help to evoke the mood, character and atmosphere of the concerto’s individual movements. Each part lasts for around two minutes and can be started, paused, or repeated at the listener’s leisure.

The films can be downloaded here.

Or alternatively they can be viewed and downloaded through dropbox here.

Beethoven in 2012 and 2013

Published on Monday, 03 December 2012 16:34

"Beethoven’s music sets in motion the machinery of awe, of fear, of terror, of pain, and awakens that infinite yearning which is the essence of romanticism." (E.T.A. Hoffmann, 1813)

Beethoven’s nine symphonies embrace triumph and tragedy, and are universal in their eloquent expression of triumph and tragedy. No wonder that musicians and audiences love to experience the drama of these pieces, which form the very core of the symphonic repertoire. In recognition of Beethoven’s genius and achievement, the Orpheus Sinfonia has dedicated its 2012/13 season to performing all nine of his Symphonies. At Cadogan Hall on 21 September we heard a gripping performance of the Fifth Symphony, and on 25 October it was the turn of the ebullient Second Symphony. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major – a joyful yet enigmatic masterpiece composed in 1806 – will conclude our concert on 21 November. Look out for the ‘Pastoral Symphony’ on Thursday 24 January 2013, the ‘Eroica’ on February 14 February, and Symphony No. 8 in April. Performing the Beethoven Cycle is a milestone for every orchestral musician, and the Orpheus Foundation is delighted to provide such an opportunity to its musicians.

Orpheus Musician of the Year

Published on Saturday, 27 October 2012 10:47

Following three rounds of competition of a superb level, The Orpheus Foundation is delighted to name Tamsin Thorn as the winner of the inaugural Orpheus Musician of the Year competition, with Benjamin Baker coming in close second place. Both musicians received a cash prize, generously donated by The Richard Carne Trust, and in the Orpheus Sinfonia concert on 25th October, Tamsin performed the Weber Bassoon Concerto and Benjamin the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Voncerto, under the baton of Toby Purser to a wowed audience in St George's Hanover Square.  The other finalists were Alberto Casadei, Jun Sasaki and Christopher Graves.

‘Orpheus Musician of the Year and youthful Beethoven’

Published on Friday, 26 October 2012 14:29

25 October saw the second concert of the Autumn 2012 season. Beethoven’s dramatic and poignant Coriolan Overture and exuberant Symphony No. 2 framed stunning performances of Weber’s Bassoon Concerto from Tamsin Thorn, and the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto from Benjamin Baker. We were also thrilled to welcome Toby Purser as the guest conductor. The response of the audience to the Orpheus Sinfonia and soloists was ecstatic.