Kenneth Woods- A View From the Podium

I’m very excited to be joining the faculty of the Harlech Orchestra Academy this coming  summer, where I’ll be taking over as conductor for Wyn Davies, music director of New Zealand Opera.

This busy week features and intense schedule of readings and rehearsals under the guidance of outstanding instrumental coaches. Advanced instrumentalists of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, including music teachers, amateurs and music students.

Nestled in one of the most beautiful corners of North Wales, with commanding views of the mountains of Snowdonia National Park and easy access to some of the best beaches in the UK, Harlech provides a perfect backdrop for what should be a fulfilling week. The repertoire for the course is-

Arnold- The Inn of Sixth Happiness

Bernstein, Elmer- The Magnificent Seven

Hoddinott – Investiture Dances

Janacek- Taras Bulba

Mahler – Symphony No 5

Niccolai- Overture to the Merry Wives of Windsor

Prokofiev- Selections from Romeo and Juliet Suite no.2

Rachmaninov – Isle of the Dead

Ravel – La valse

Shostakovich – Symphony No 6

Walton- Variations on a Theme of Paul Hindemith

I hope some of you will consider joining us for the week. Some general information from the academy website is below–

Orchestral Summer School – course details

August 8th – 15th 2009

Conductor: Kenneth Woods
Course Organiser: Janet Minot

How to Apply

Application forms should be returned as soon as possible along with the appropriate non refundable deposit (£25 resident, £10 non resident) to Elaine Cox, Student Admissions Officer at Coleg Harlech. Please note the minimum standard required for wind and brass is Grade 8, for all other players Grade 7.

Applicants should be 18 or over, unless accompanied by an appropriate adult. The closing date for enrolment is 30th April 2009, and those who are accepted will be notified soon after this date. Late applications may be accepted if there are still vacancies in the relevant section. Acknowledgement of a deposit does not necessarily mean acceptance

The Orchestra

The symphony orchestra usually has over 80 players. The age range is wide and many different occupations and backgrounds are represented. Over the years this established orchestral summer school has been host to a number of distinguished conductors, such as, Baldur Brönnimann, Michael Lloyd, Gareth Jones, Vilem Tausky and John Pryce Jones.

Daily sectionals

In addition to the full orchestra rehearsals, the specialist tutors take the daily sectionals.

Chamber music

A wide selection of musical groups meet each day, such as chamber, string and wind orchestra, and brass ensemble. Some of the items rehearsed are performed in the concerts. There is also the opportunity to play chamber music informally (participants should bring their own chamber music). If you play more than one instrument, you may be able to play in both string and wind orchestras so bring as many as you can carry! A pianist will be available to play trios, piano quartets etc. These sessions are not officially timetabled and afternoons are often free for relaxation and exploring the beach and the fascinating village of Harlech itself.

Repertoire August 2009

The repertoire for full orchestra will include the following works:

Arnold- The Inn of Sixth Happiness

Bernstein, Elmer- The Magnificent Seven

Hoddinott – Investiture Dances

Janacek- Taras Bulba

Mahler – Symphony No 5

Niccolai- Overture to the Merry Wives of Windsor

Prokofiev- Selections from Romeo and Juliet Suite no.2

Rachmaninov – Isle of the Dead

Ravel – La valse

Shostakovich – Symphony No 6

Walton- Variations on a Theme of Paul Hindemith