READING’S Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates its anniversary with special guests.
It will be joined by Reading Youth Orchestra; and German musician, Frederike Möller.
And to mark the occasion there will be three performances on the same day.
Two concerts will feature the world premiere of a new piece of music by Caitlin Harrison.
There will also be a recital on an unusual instrument.
The afternoon begins with a relaxed event for families, presented by members of APO Young.
This is the orchestra’s free-to-join fan club for children aged five to 15 years.
The afternoon concert features Reading Youth Orchestra, and toy piano player, Frederike Möller playing Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker ballet; and an extract from Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2
The audience will also hear Good’s Sinfonietta No.1,Silver; a section from Betteridge’s Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs; and part of Harrison’s new music, From Dawn to Dreams.
Andrew Taylor, musical director of Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra says: “At our relaxed performances it doesn’t matter about noise or movement.
“These concerts are for everyone, including young children, and neuro diverse audiences.
“We’ll play The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy first of all on the celeste, as written, but then on the toy piano.
“Frederike is bringing her toy instruments with her from Dusseldorf.”
The evening concert is part of The Aldworth Philharmonic’s 20th anniversary celebrations and is presented by Reading Fringe Festival.
It includes the full score of Betteridge’s Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.
“Betteridge’s piece is interesting to play,” says Andrew.
“I have to conduct to a click track in order to keep in time with sounds that accompany the music.
“We commissioned the piece eight years ago.
“It contains fascinating archive audio of people who worked at Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory; conversations with people from Simonds Brewery; and a pathé news style narration about Suttons Seeds.”
The players will be joined by Reading Youth Orchestra for Harrison’s From Dawn To Dreams.
This can be heard at both concerts and was written as part of the Making Music, Adopt A Music Creator, project.
“It’s a logistical challenge getting two orchestras together into one concert hall, or even to rehearse together, but it’s working very well, ” says Andrew.
“The piece is really interesting and includes fragments of poetry.
“It’s full of texture and sounds.”
Prior to the evening concert, there will be an unusual recital by Frederike Möller.
She specialises in exploring the sound world of toy pianos, and will perform works associated with Reading and Düsseldorf.
Andrew continues: ” We’re especially grateful for the support of The Reading Fringe Festival.
“This is the first time we have brought a full symphony orchestra to the festival, which this year celebrates its own 10th anniversary.
“They have been wonderfully supportive.”
Both concerts take place in Reading Town Hall’s Concert Hall.
They can be heard on Saturday, October 29.
The afternoon event starts at 4pm and lasts one hour.
Tickets can be booked online at a price of the buyer’s choosing.
The evening performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15, under 18s cost £10. Concert Virgins are free.
The toy piano recital starts at 6.30pm and is free to ticket holders.
For information and to purchase tickets visit: www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk
