VIOLINIST Mel LeBreuilly has been a member of the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) family for almost 20 years.
As a player, she’s used to the view from the strings section, performing as she has with the orchestra almost since the Reading music group began.
But for the APO’s next concert she is putting down her violin bow, stepping up to the podium, and lifting instead the conductor’s baton, to lead the musicians in an evening of uplifting and beautiful music.
It’s a programme that she’s particularly excited about, including as it does, works from composers Borodin, Delius, and Debussy.
Mel is director of Reading Youth Orchestra and regularly conducts its young musicians.
She’s also assistant musical director of APO (working with the orchestra’s musical director Andrew Taylor).
But leading a full concert of APO adult players is a new pleasure for her.
“I’ve conducted individual pieces with the orchestra, but never a whole programme,” she said.
“So I’m really excited to be able to lead them through this entire concert.
“I’ve played with them for a long time in the violin section, and I know them all well.
“They’re wonderful players, who come together for the joy of making beautiful music together.
“But they’re also my friends, so leading them from the front will be very special – a real privilege.”
APO music director Andrew Taylor and Mel worked together to come up with the concert programme, which will be performed this month in Wokingham.
“It’s a gorgeous collection of pieces that really suits me and my style of music-making,” said Mel.
“It’s all so upbeat and lively, and the few parts that aren’t are really expressive and filled with beautiful tunes.
“It’s a great programme of gorgeous music to sit back and enjoy.”
Concert goers will be able to hear:
Alexander Borodin’s Prince Igor Overture; Delius’s The Walk to the Paradise Garden – interlude from A Village Romeo & Juliet,
Debussy’s Petite Suite,
And to round off the event, a return to Borodin, this time with his Symphony No.2.
“It’s so joyful – the music is filled with life and excitement,” said Mel.
“But it’s also fun, playful, mischievous, heroic and…just lovely.
“There are some great tunes, and it’s a perfect programme for introducing newcomers to orchestral music.
“There will be so much to spark your imagination.”
To hear the APO’s Winter Concert, audience members should make their way to All Saints Church, Wokingham, on Saturday, January 31 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for under 18s, £7 for APO Young members, and are free for under 5s.
For tickets and information, visit: aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk
