Young Musicians Entertain Tennis Fans
Wandsworth Pops Orchestra played outside Centre Court
Featuring some of the borough’s most talented young musicians, the 75 strong orchestra opened the eighth day of the Championships on Tuesday. They entertained a large and enthusiastic group of tennis fans for two hours from the Tea Lawn outside Centre Court with a full programme of 25 pieces, including the Wimbledon theme tune ‘Purple & Green’.
The orchestra formed four years ago and is Wandsworth Council’s Schools’ Music Service’s premier ensemble. Together with its sister orchestra, the recently formed Wandsworth Concert Orchestra, more than 150 young musicians benefit from high- quality orchestral training.
It has performed four times at the Royal Festival Hall and has a growing international profile, with tours of Holland, Germany and Luxembourg under its belt. At the end of the month the orchestra sets off on its longest trip yet - an eight-day concert tour of Austria and Germany. Next year’s plans include a Royal Festival Hall performance on March 16 and an eight-day concert tour to Spain in July 2015.
The council’s schools and children’s services spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey said:
“I’m so proud of these young people - playing at Wimbledon will be an experience they are unlikely to forget. The School’s Music Service gives our young people the chance to learn an instrument and express themselves through music. I’m delighted that it is achieving so much.”
The orchestra is open to more experienced secondary-age musicians. It rehearses on Saturdays and holds three half term courses across the year.
Find out more about the orchestra and the School’s Music Service at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/schoolsmusic.
July 2, 2014