The Orchestra and Chorus of The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
Ricercare a 6 from the Musical Offering - Bach arr Webern
Thursday 13 February 2003
The Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen at 7.30pm
Later this week (Thursday 13 February 2003), the University of Aberdeen will be privileged to present a unique performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Orchestra and Chorus of The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD), at The Music Hall, led by the internationally celebrated conductor, Nicholas McGegan.
This performance has provided a wonderful opportunity for three musical organisations, University Music at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland's Conservatoire, and Aberdeen City Music School, to collaborate in a new Education Project with schools and colleges in Aberdeen, which began in November last year. These include Bramble Brae Primary School, Airyhall Primary School, Mile End School, Cults Primary School, Cults Academy, Bridge of Don Academy, Aberdeen City Music School and University Music.
Four of these groups (Cults Primary School, Cults Academy, Bridge of Don Academy and Aberdeen City Music School) have created new pieces of music, which will be premiered at the Music Hall. Composer, Andrew Cruickshank, together with RSAMD students, Emma Jane Hughes and Fraser Gordon, have been working with each group to create these new works. They have used both the Beethoven Symphony and the Bach/Webern piece as inspiration on which to develop their ideas. All of the compositions premiered at the Music Hall are group compositions. The emphasis has been to encourage everyone involved to contribute to the creative process; the workshops have tried to allow the artistic space where the most tentative musical idea can be nurtured.
Whilst the performers are highly accomplished instrumentalists, for many this has been their first encounter with improvisation and composition.
This has certainly been a challenge, but will be an invaluable experience as part of each individual musician's development.
Dr Roger Williams, Director of University Music, said: "This promises to be a wonderful evening for members of the public to come along and listen to music being provided from the three collaborative groups.
"I hope that all of the performing children have an enjoyable experience performing at the Music Hall."
The Education Project has been funded by Aberdeen City Music School with support from the Scottish Executive.
All tickets are £5.00 and available from the Music Hall Box Office, telephone: (01224) 641122. The concert will begin at 7.30pm and will end about 9.40pm.
This promises to be a great musical treat for all the family and everyone is invited to come along and show their support. So, what are you waiting for, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.