winter spring 2009/10
www.nyos.co.uk
Welcome to the second edition of our new-look season diary. I hope that you like the changes that we have made and that you enjoy catching up with news of all our activities. Our summer was a spectacular success with all of our ensembles producing performances of high quality. More students than ever before took part in our Jazz Summer School, which culminated in an outstanding final concert. NYJOS went on to meet up with the great guitarist, Mike Walker, inspiring three exceptional performances of Mike’s album Madhouse and the Whole Thing There. For the first time The National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland gave a public performance at the end of their summer course. A large audience gave a very enthusiastic reception to the young players as they performed at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, as a result of which a final public concert will now become a regular feature of the summer programme for this ensemble. As a part of the celebrations to mark our Thirtieth Anniversary, two of our ensembles undertook major overseas tours. Following concerts in Aberdeen and The Sage, Gateshead, NYOS started the very long journey eastwards to give fantastic performances in Katowice and Krakow, Poland, followed by a return for the orchestra to the festival organised by The Dutch National Youth Orchestra at Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. No sooner had they arrived back in Scotland than Camerata Scotland started to prepare for their programme, which involved concerts in France and Spain before returning to Glasgow. Both orchestras gave absolutely brilliant performances and it was very gratifying for both orchestras to play to such large and enthusiastic audiences. Both trips were an outstanding success and I am sure that they will live long in the memory of all the players involved. To cap a spectacular summer for our ensembles, NYJOS Collective released their new CD to great critical acclaim and gave excellent performances in Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Congratulations especially to Andrew Robb (double bass), winner of this year’s BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year. As I write this introduction I can still hear the wonderful playing of NYOS Futures when they teamed up with members of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to launch Glasgow’s festival dedicated to the music of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. As you will see in the following pages, we have lots of exciting plans for the months ahead as we welcome friends old and new to work with our ensembles. Do enjoy looking through our season brochure and I hope that you will come and support the outstanding talent of Scotland’s young musicians.
Julian Clayton, NYOS Chief Executive
PERTH In July NYJOS held their largest ever summer school at Kilgraston School in Perthshire. Over 90 young jazz musicians attended and enjoyed the opportunity to jam with like-minded jazzers.
INVERNESS NYJOS Collective launched their debut album at Eden Court in Inverness in September.
EDINBURGH The National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland performed their first ever summer concert at The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh in July. They performed challenging and varied repertoire including pieces by Arnold, Manual de Falla, Britten and Debussy.
GLASGOW NYOS Futures performed in concert with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra as part of the Peter Maxwell Davies 75th Birthday celebration festival in October.
blowing our own trumpet... OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS WE HAVE; Worked with over
350 young musicians Performed in
14 different cities
Played to over 4000 members of the public Worked on 9 different projects Been entertained by
Toured in 6 different countries, including Poland, Spain, France and The Netherlands
6 of our ensembles
The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland is the flagship orchestra of NYOS. Founded in 1979, it is a symphony orchestra for musicians aged between 12 and 21 in Scotland. The orchestra performs throughout the year in a variety of high profile venues in Scotland, the UK and around the world, and its young musicians benefit from the invaluable performing experience this provides. The musicians in The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland are of the highest calibre and many past students have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the musical profession. Past members include Dame Evelyn Glennie, Colin Currie and Garry Walker.
JEAN SIBELIUS The Oceanides JOHN MCLEOD The Gokstad Ship NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade
This New Year, let NYOS sweep you away with tales of pirates, vikings and sea spirits in their concert Adventures at Sea. With conductor Christopher Adey, NYOS will explore a seafaring repertoire including Erich Korngold’s swashbuckling Overture to The Sea Hawk, Sibelius’s mythological The Oceanides and Rimsky-Korsakov’s romantic saga of Scheherazade and her one thousand and one tales of Arabian nights.
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ERICH KORNGOLD Overture to The Sea Hawk
This evening of maritime adventure includes John McLeod’s NYOScommissioned symphonic poem for orchestra, The Gokstad Ship, inspired by the history of the Vikings and the discovery of one of their sacred burial chambers.
ADVENTURES AT SEA CONDUCTED BY CHRISTOPHER ADEY NYOS : CLOSE UP Conversation and live music with Christopher Adey, John McLeod and NYOS Leader, Josephine Robertson.
USHER HALL, EDINBURGH 3 January 2010, 7.30pm NYOS: Close Up, Upper Circle Foyer, 6.45pm Box Office: 0131 228 1155 GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL 4 January 2010, 7.30pm NYOS: Close Up, Exhibition Hall, 6.45pm Box Office: 0141 353 8000 Tickets: £10 - £20, half price concessions £2 student/child
Presented by Lindsay Pell. “It is always a pleasure playing in such a large symphony orchestra . . . but furthermore, it is watching the orchestra gel and the friendships form that is the most enjoyable experience about NYOS” - Jeremy Masson, Clarinet
The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland: Exuberant, Adventurous, Energetic
sponsored by
The National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland (NCOS), is NYOS’s symphony orchestra for young musicians aged 8 to14. NCOS provides an important means of early musical education and performing experience for the young musicians of Scotland, fortunately assured through support from Standard Life. NCOS’s public concerts are often critically acclaimed and the committed and energetic performances given by its young members never fail to amaze and inspire audiences. Auditions for NCOS are held annually in November. Many of the young musicians involved in NCOS go on to become members of The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.
CARL JACOBI Introduction and Polonaise for Bassoon and Orchestra DMITRI SHOSTAKOVITCH Tahiti Trot PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Finale from Symphony No. 2 “any music I would have considered unplayable is meat and drink to these talented youngsters.” The Courier
For the Spring Concerts 2010, NYOS is delighted to present two of its young ensembles in a varied evening of classical music and jazz favourites. NCOS will perform in the first half of the evening, with conductor John Grant. They will explore Smetana’s famous Vlatava from Ma Vlast, mapping the journey of the river Vlatava through his native land.
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BEDRICH SMETANA Vltava from Ma Vlast
BBC’s Classical Star and former NYOS member, bassoon player Karen Geoghagan, will return to NYOS to perform Jacobi’s Introduction and Polonaise for Bassoon and Orchestra. The ensemble will also explore Shostakovitch’s Tahiti Trot and Tchaikovsky’s joyous Finale from Symphony No. 2.
NCOS/NYJOS SPRING CONCERT 2010 CONDUCTED BY JOHN GRANT SOLOIST KAREN GEOGHAGAN
USHER HALL, EDINBURGH 11 APRIL 2010, 7pm Box Office: 0131 228 1155 GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL 12 APRIL 2010, 7pm Box Office: 0141 353 8000 Tickets: £10 - £14, half price concessions £2 student/child
“This was my first year at NCOS and, although I had been informed of its high standard, I was still overwhelmed by the amazing sound a group of people my age group could achieve” - Katie Jo Taheny, Violin
The National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland: Sound that Smiles!
Camerata Scotland is the showcase, pre-professional chamber ensemble of The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland. Successfully bridging the gap between youth orchestra and professional ensemble, it comprises senior and recent past members of NYOS. Camerata Scotland tours internationally, throughout the year, and the ensemble has travelled extensively since its foundation, to countries as far afield as Japan and Australia. Camerata Scotland is proud to have performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, and to have worked with a variety of internationally renowned guest conductors and soloists. The ensemble consistently achieves a high quality of performance, and offers talented young Scottish musicians a unique opportunity in orchestral training at the highest level.
BENJAMIN BRITTEN Les illuminations HENRY PURCELL Chacony in G minor LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No 8, op 93, in F major
SPRING CONCERTS 2010 CONDUCTED BY NICHOLAS KOK SOLOIST ED LYON “the young musicians impressed with the unity of ensemble as well as the quality of sound that was produced.” ***** The Herald reveiw of Camerata Scotland’s homecoming concert in August.
This Spring, Scotland’s brightest young musicians will be performing across the country. Camerata Scotland will visit Aberdeen, St. Andrews and Edinburgh to perform exciting and challenging repertoire. With conductor Nicholas Kok, the ensemble will explore Mozart’s Haffner Symphony, Britten’s interpretation of Rimbaud’s poetry in Les illuminations with guest tenor Ed Lyon, Purcell’s Chacony and Beethoven’s lighthearted Symphony No 8.
QUEEN’S CROSS CHURCH, ABERDEEN 30 March 2010 Tickets: £10/£6/£2 Box Office: 0141 332 8311
chamber
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Symphony No 35, K385 in D major, The Haffner
YOUNGER HALL, ST. ANDREWS 31 March 2010 Tickets: £10/£6/£2 Box Office: 01334 475000 QUEEN’S HALL, EDINBURGH 1 April 2010 Tickets: £10/£6/£2 Box Office: 0131 668 2019
“It is an honour to work with other people who are so dedicated and passionate about music. Not only this, but the opportunity to work with world renowned conductors is priceless. “ Callum Huggan, Percussion
Camerata Scotland: Dedicated, Passionate, Inspiring
NYOS Futures is the contemporary chamber ensemble of NYOS. It is drawn from senior NYOS and Camerata Scotland musicians and aims to introduce young musicians and new audiences to the fascinating world of late 20th and early 21st century classical music. The interest in NYOS Futures from established music professionals has been encouraging and the ensemble is delighted to have worked with a variety of internationally renowned conductors, soloists and orchestras. Through NYOS Futures, NYOS hopes to encourage an interest in the musicians and music of today and develop and engage future audiences for contemporary classical music.
TRE LAUDI DIRECTED BY WILLIAM CONWAY
This is the latest instalment of the NYOS Futures series of concerts which explore fascinating pieces of contemporary music. NYOS Futures explores an early work by Luigi Dallapiccola, the most innovative composer to emerge from the Italian Facist regime. A profound sensitivity for human needs and a mastery of compositional technique are the two overriding characteristics of the music of Luigi Dallapiccola. Dallapiccola observed and reacted to life around him, life during an era of political and social upheaval, but his Tre Laudi is a work with a more spiritual than political dimension.
REID CONCERT HALL, EDINBURGH 21 February 2010, 2.30pm Tickets: £5 Box Office: 0141 332 8311
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LUIGI DALLAPICCOLA Tre Laudi
“William Conway of the Hebrides Ensemble, stuck to the point...helped the audience to visualise what the music was about.” The Herald review of NYOS Futures, March 2009
“Futures is giving me the opportunity to work with and get to know leading professionals from the contemporary scene. At some point these pieces of repertoire are going to come up again in my working life, and I will already know them inside out.” Adam Clifford, Percusssion
NYOS Futures: Soundscapes of Discovery
Consisting of string players from a selection of NYOS’s ensembles, NYOS Strings performs throughout the year at various intimate venues around Scotland. This accomplished string chamber ensemble consistently delivers critically acclaimed performances and often premières new commissions from Scotland’s foremost composers.
Spotlight on . . .
AARON McGREGOR What does it mean to a young musician like yourself to be involved in NYOS? I first joined NYOS in 2003 and, at that time, I had never played in anything even approaching its standard. I was immediately struck by the full, impressive sound of 100+ people playing together. Being able to work closely with some of the world’s best conductors and soloists was inspiring, to say the least, and the tutors were always very good at preparing each section for the technical and musical demands of the symphonic repertoire. Not only did I learn a huge amount from playing with NYOS, it gave me the drive to really improve my own playing. NYOS Strings gives players the opportunity of exploring much more intimate chamber music, with a much smaller group. This means, in essence, that each player is of equal importance to the group and really has to learn to play as a soloist and chamber musician. What do you enjoy most about playing with NYOS Strings? For me, playing with NYOS Strings has meant exploring a repertoire that I had never really come across before. The vast majority of young string players are used to the standard string orchestra repertoire, so the interesting and imaginative programming by NYOS Strings means we are able to discover more obscure music, much of which is rather wonderful. What was the experience of recording the NYOS Strings CD like? Recording the CD with NYOS Strings was a mixture of stress and excitement. For many of the group, this was their first recording experience, and we found that it demanded a much higher standard than performing. What was it like to lead the orchestra? As leader of such a small ensemble, you have a much closer relationship with the rest of the players and really have to encourage everyone to play with confidence and to listen to each other as closely as a good string quartet. The abundance of solos also means a good deal of individual interpretation. What did you think of the repertoire of the CD? Do you have a favourite piece? This CD was especially exciting as it was all new music by Scottish composers, all of whom were actually in attendance at the recording (with the exception of Buxton Orr who is no longer with us). Performing two world premières and having the chance to record them was fantastic. For me, it was particularly poignant to be able to work with Ed Harper on his ‘Album Leaf’, a superbly crafted piece which was a fitting tribute not only to its dedicatee, Richard Chester but to the composer himself, who I am sure is now sadly missed across Scotland having passed away shortly after the recording was made.
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Leader of NYOS Strings
Formed to meet the growing demand for high quality training for young jazz musicians in Scotland, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland (NYJOS) made its debut in 1996 and has since become known as one of Scotland’s foremost youth jazz ensembles. NYJOS aims to provide students with the opportunity to study and perform jazz at the highest possible level, with respected professional musicians from the UK and beyond. The ensemble often commissions and premières new works. In addition to giving live performances at a variety of prestigious jazz venues throughout Britain, NYJOS has released CD recordings and runs training workshops throughout Scotland.
Performing in the second half of this years Spring Concert, NYJOS will delight audiences with a repertoire of swinging beats and jazz favourites. “The band played with a maturity well beyond their years and limited experience. Kudos all round.” The Herald
NYJOS Directors, Malcolm Edmonstone and Andrew Bain will lead Scotland’s most talented young jazz musicians as they perform an energetic repertoire in the first part of the evening in Edinburgh and Glasgow. See Scotland’s future jazz stars in action as they get you swinging along to those jazz beats!
USHER HALL, EDINBURGH 11 April 2010, 7pm Box Office: 0131 228 1155 GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL 12 April 2010, 7pm Box Office: 0141 353 8000 Tickets: £10 - £14, half price concessions £2 student/child
jazz
NCOS/NYJOS SPRING CONCERT 2010 DIRECTED BY MALCOLM EDMONSTONE & ANDREW BAIN
“NYJOS is the best thing anyone could possibly have to inspire and educate the upcoming generation of musicians.” - Neil Birse, Piano
The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland: Scorching Solos, Swinging Beats
NYJOS Collective comprises the most experienced and talented players from The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland. Essentially a jazz chamber ensemble, NYJOS Collective is a smaller and more flexible arm of the jazz orchestra. Throughout the year the ensemble gives concerts during residencies at a variety of venues around Scotland. Directed by Malcolm Edmonstone and Andrew Bain, the ensemble offers the more experienced members of The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland the opportunity to publicly perform their own arrangements, play a wide variety of compositions and lead jazz workshops with members of the community and other jazz ensembles.
Presented in association with
In September, NYJOS Collective launched their first ever CD. Entitled ’Collective’, the CD includes music composed by two members of the ensemble. To commemorate the launch, Collective played three concerts, Eden Court in Inverness, Recital Rooms in Glasgow and The Lot in Edinburgh. The concerts featured some of the material from their new CD, as well as some of the ensembles jazz favourites.
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“The players acquitted themselves well in a challenging programme” The Herald review of the launch of Collective
To find out how you can order a copy of the CD please visit our website, www.nyos. co.uk or www.jazzcds.co.uk
NYJOS Collective: Fresh, Creative, Cool
NYOS’s newest initiative is the introduction of a new jazz training orchestra entitled NYJOS Access. This project provides a platform for between 20 and 25 promising young jazz musicians. Students who take part in NYJOS Access will benefit from attending a training school which will be complemented by opportunities for performance in a relaxed and informal environment. NYJOS Access will be a training ground for the next generation of top jazz musicians.
Following the success of their launch event at Paisley Grammer School in March, NYJOS Access will perform together in Edinburgh at The National Museum of Scotland. The ensemble will be performing in the foyer as part of a celebration of St Andrew’s Day as the musuem’s Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme draws to a close.
jazz
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH 29 NOVEMBER 2009, 11am FREE ADMISSION
NYJOS Access: Join Us in Jazz
REALISING AMBITIONS Miranda Whitmarsh, Violin
Leading The National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland (NCOS) Sponsored by Standard Life in 2009 is Miranda Whitmarsh, aged 15 from the City of Glasgow. This year is Miranda’s first experience of the Children’s Orchestra and her outstanding talent firmly placed her in the role of leader for the year’s activities. Miranda has enjoyed and benefited from taking part in the NCOS Easter Course and Tour as well as the NCOS Summer Course and Concert. Since she has now turned 15 years of age (and therefore outside the upper age range accepted into NCOS), Miranda is now eligible to audition for a place in NYOS’s full symphony orchestra, The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and its activities in 2010. FOCUS ON MIRANDA Miranda was first introduced to the violin by Hilary Phillips using the Colourstrings method and has been playing since she was aged five. Furthermore she is from a musical family and her two brothers and two sisters also enjoy playing music and performing. Showing huge dedication for such a young age, Miranda ensures she practises the violin for one and a half hours each night and rarely misses this practise time. Miranda was formerly at Glasgow Steiner School and is currently studying at the Music School of Douglas Academy. Miranda studies the violin under Andrea Gajic and the piano with Anne Scott and has is now into her fourth year of study. Recently Miranda was involved in the première of an octet by Tom Harrold, a fellow pupil, at the Scottish Centres of Excellence Concert in Aberdeen, where she also played in a première of the orchestral piece Dalriada by Dick Lee which won a national composition competition to be played at the concert. Enjoying a wide range of interests including dance, swimming and art, Miranda is also involved in the Scottish Schools Orchestra courses, which she participates in twice a week during term time. Her musical tastes are diverse and she currently enjoys Mahler and Paganini, however on the NCOS Summer Course her favourite pieces were by Britten and Debussy.
What Miranda most enjoys about music and performing with The National Children Orchestra of Scotland is being able to express yourself through performance and how it can be an outlet for your emotions. She particularly enjoys full orchestra rehearsals and hearing all the players and the music coming together for the first time. She also enjoys the social aspect of the Children’s Orchestra, which has allowed her to make many friends thus improving her confidence and social skills. Miranda has found that it is easy to make friends in NCOS since everyone shares the same interests and have a shared passion for music. When rehearsal time is over, Miranda likes nothing better than to relax with friends and watch movies in the evening. Miranda has thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from being part of the Children’s Orchestra in 2009 and is sad to have now outgrown it! She said during the NCOS Summer Course 2009 that “participating in The National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland (NCOS) is one of the best experiences I have ever had!” Miranda is now eligible to audition for a place in NYOS’ symphony orchestra and take her music experience with NYOS to the next level. She is also currently considering what she would like to do at university and is interested in studying English whilst also continuing her musical activities, and participating in NYOS’ orchestras and ensembles.
We are grateful to the following Trusts and Foundations for their recent awards: John Lewis Partnership Robert Barr’s Charitable Trust Jennie S. Gordon Charitable Trust The Caram Trust
The Mathew Trust The Garrick Charitable Trust The Leverhulme Trust The Ronald Miller Foundation
We are also delighted to report that Standard Life, Front Line Construction and KPMG have all renewed their Corporate Membership for the coming year and welcome new Corporate Member, Fraser Suites Glasgow and new sponsor, Enterprise Screen Productions.
In November, NYOS begins its annual round of auditions for the 2010 orchestras. Hundreds of young, hopeful musicians are preparing to audition in venues the length and breadth of Scotland, hoping to fulfil their dream of training and touring with a NYOS orchestra. Throughout the coming year, hundreds of successful applicants will train, perform and tour in the UK and abroad. With a wide range of orchestras and ensembles, this opportunity is second to none and many NYOS alumni have gone on to enjoy successful careers as professional musicians as a result of their involvement with NYOS. None of this would be possible without the help of our wonderful supporters, who have shown a real commitment to and interest in our work. Thanks to you, thousands of young musicians have been educated and inspired, and Scotland’s reputation as a producer of top quality musicians has been enhanced. NYOS continues to celebrate its 30th Anniversary of providing expert music education and performance opportunities to young musicians across Scotland. In order to continue to build upon the success of the past 30 years, we need your support. By working together we can make a wonderful difference in the development of musicians in Scotland; educating, inspiring innovation, encouraging excellence and nurturing new talent.
Play your part...
...in Scotland’s musical future
KNOW THE SCORE - BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS Whether you are rewarding staff, entertaining clients, building your brand or looking for a way to demonstrate good corporate social responsibility, NYOS offers unparalleled opportunities. No matter how you choose to support us, you will become one of our valued business partners and we will work with you to create a mutually rewarding relationship.
DUET YOURSELF - FRIENDS AND INDIVIDUAL GIVING One of the simplest yet most effective ways to support the work of NYOS is to become a Friend of NYOS. In doing so you will provide a regular source of income to sustain the annual programme of NYOS’s activities. Friends of NYOS can become actively involved with NYOS activities and benefit from exclusive offers and promotions.
LEAD THE WAY - NYOS CHAIR ENDOWMENT Do you have a favourite instrument or section of the orchestra? If so, perhaps you would like to endow a chair in The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland or another one of NYOS’s many orchestras and ensembles. A great way to raise the profile of your organisation or to become a patron of the arts!
THE KEY TO SUCCESS - TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS As a registered charity the support we receive from Trusts and Foundations is vital to NYOS’s continued existence and scope of work. Many thanks to the numerous Trusts who have helped educate and inspire Scotland’s talented youth by nurturing their confidence and aspirations . Many of our students have gone on to enjoy successful careers as musicians and, in turn, inspired new generations to become involved.
For more information, contact the Fundraising Department on 0141 332 8311 or email: info@nyos.co.uk
nyos winter diary 29 November
NYJOS Access Concert
Edinburgh
The National Museum of Scotland
11am
3 January
NYOS Winter Concert
Edinburgh
The Usher Hall
7.30pm
4 January
NYOS Winter Concert
Glasgow
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
7.30pm
21 February
NYOS Futures Concert
Edinburgh
Reid Concert Hall
2.30pm
27 - 28 February
NCOS Training Weekend
Glasgow
High School of Glasgow
N/A
29 March - 1 April
NCOS String Training Course
Perth
Kilgraston School
N/A
30 March
Camerata Concert
Aberdeen
Queen’s Cross Church
TBC
31 March
Camerata Concert
St. Andrews
Younger Hall
TBC
1 April
Camerata Concert
Edinburgh
Queen’s Hall
TBC
11 April
NJYOS and NCOS Concert
Edinburgh
The Usher Hall
7pm
12 April
NYJOS and NCOS Concert
Glasgow
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
7pm
13 - 16 April
Spring Academy
Perth
Strathallan School
N/A
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The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS) is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland - number 66497 and a registered Scottish charity - number SC015482. V.A.T. Reg. No. 328 6513 49.