23 September 2023: Orchestra Play Day - Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake

Join Spires Philharmonic Orchestra as we explore Tchaikovsky's masterful score for Swan Lake. You may know the waltz, you may have played the suite but now is your chance to play the complete ballet in one day!

The orchestra will be led by our professional leader, Alistair Kennedy and conducted by Spires Music Director and CBSO Assistant Conductor, Jack Lovell-Huckle. Spires Philharmonic Orchestra is made up from local professional, semi-professional and amateur players from across the West and East Midlands, specialising in accompanying large scale choral repertoire, working regularly with Spires Philharmonic Chorus at prestigious venues across Coventry, including Coventry Cathedral. Following on from our first orchestral play day last year,  this day will again a chance for the orchestra to take centre stage and we are keen to hear from you if you are interested in joining us for what promises to be an exhilarating day of music making.

Registration is from 9:30, rehearsals starting at 10:00. The day will end with an informal run through at 16:30 and we welcome anyone to come and be our audience, free of charge. Hard copies of the music will be provided on the day and practice parts can be provided in advance. Tea/Coffee will be available during regular breaks and there is ample free parking at the venue. All we ask is that you bring a music stand and recommend that you bring some lunch. 

9:30-10:00 - Registration

10:00-11:20 - Session 1 (Acts 1 & 2)

11:20-11:40 - Tea/Coffee break

11:40-13:00 - Session 2 (Acts 2 & 3)

13:00-14:00 - Lunch break

14:00-15:00 - Session 3 (Acts 3 & 4)

15:00-15:10 - Tea/Coffee break

15:10-16:10 - Session 4 (Acts 3 & 4)

16:10-16:30 - Tea/Coffee break/audience arrival

16:30-17:30 - Informal Performance (excerpts taken from the ballet)

Although no formal grades are required we would expect participants to be comfortable playing music of this level to get the most out of the day. Suggested standard for wind and brass musicians is at least grade 8 and string musicians grade 6+. Please email spiresphilharmonic@gmail.com if you have any questions.