About

Bristol Choral Society joins National Children's Orchestra for special Colston Hall performance on Sunday 17 April 2011

Issued: 10 March 2011

FROM: THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

The National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain (NCO) Main Orchestra is to combine forces with the much-loved Bristol Choral Society, as well as a number of other special guests, for an unforgettable concert at Bristol's Colston Hall on Sunday 17 April at 7pm.

The evening is to bring a very special collaborative performance from the UK's largest children's symphony orchestra, the NCO; celebrated 130-strong, Bristol Choral Society; the renowned National Children's Choir of Great Britain and three accomplished guest soloists, under the baton of internationally-renowned, guest conductor, Howard Williams.

The combined and incredible talent of these performers is set to provide an epic performance of Orff's dramatic cantata Carmina Burana. The audience may well recognise this famous piece from the soudntrack to many a film or even the opening sequence to the X Factor, but the chance to hear it performed by an ensemble of over 300 talented musicians is not something that arises every day in Bristol.

13-year-old oboist, Polly Bartlett, who is a member of the NCO Main Orchestra says "I am so looking forward to playing Carmina Burana! From the massive O Fortuna to the dancing Floret Silva, the mix of choir and orchestra will release the excitement within me!"

The concert, which also features Wagner's turbulent overture to The Flying Dutchman and Respighi's symphonic poem, Fountains of Rome, will showcase the exceptional talent of the NCO Main Orchestra and special guests.

Roger Clarkson, director of music, comments "We are all very excited about our upcoming concert at the Colston Hall. The NCO received an overwhelming reception when we performed there in 2010 and we can't wait to return. I am thrilled that we will be joined by so many talented performers on the night, including Bristol's very own Choral Society. Collaborating with such a wide range of musicians will be a fantastic experience for our young members and the performance is sure to be a memorable experience for the audience as well!"

Tickets for the National Children's Orchestra Main Orchestra concert at the Colston Hall in Bristol range from £10 to £18, with £2 off for concessions and just £5 a ticket for Under 16s. Telephone: 0117 922 3686, email: boxoffice@colstonhall.org or book online: www.colstonhall.org.

Local NCO members who will be performing include:

Theo Elwell is from Bath and plays the violin. This is his 5th year with the NCO.
Robert Gittings is from Easton in Gordano and plays the violin. This is his 5th year with the NCO.
Anabelle Hancock is from Nailsea and plays the violin. This is her 2nd year with the NCO.
Santos Hau is from St Oswalds and plays the viola. This is his 1st year with the NCO.

ENDS

For further information or photos please contact: Katrina Kelly, NCO development and marketing administrator, telephone: 01934 418855 or email: K.Kelly@nco.org.uk

NOTES FOR EDITORS

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA AT COLSTON HALL

Sunday 17 April, 2011 at 7pm

THE PROGRAMME

MAIN ORCHESTRA Guest Conductor – Howard Williams
Bristol Choral Society
National Children's Choir of Great Britain
Soprano – Rhiannon Llewellyn
Tenor – Edward Hughes
Baritone – Adam Gilbert

Wagner	Overture to The Flying Dutchman
Respighi	Fountains of Rome
Orff	Carmina Burana

Tickets: £18, £15, £10; concessions £2 off ticket price; Under 16s £5

Colston Hall box office: 0117 922 3686, boxoffice@colstonhall.org, www.colstonhall.org

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
The National Children’s Orchestra holds nationwide auditions every year to populate its five age-banded orchestras with the most gifted young orchestral players that the UK has to offer. 2010 saw a record number of children, over 900 hopefuls, audition for a place in the NCO's 2011 Orchestras, with over 480 being successful.

The quality of orchestral training provided to NCO members is unrivalled, with children being given the opportunity to take part in intensive residential courses where first-class musical training is teamed with lots of fun social activities.

The tutors for these sessions are drawn from major national orchestras and the best specialist music schools around the country. Each residential course culminates in a full orchestra concert performance, like the one being held at Colston Hall.

For further information or photos please contact: Katrina Kelly, NCO development and marketing administrator, telephone: 01934 418855 or email: K.Kelly@nco.org.uk

View all Press releases