A symphony of celebration

MEMBERS of the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra are busily tuning up their instruments to bring a delightful performance of symphonic indulgence to the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on Sunday, 20 March at 2.30pm.

The program includes a selection from Bizet’s Carmen Suite no 1, Grieg’s Mood Morning from Peer Gynt, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Strauss’ well known and very beautiful The Blue Danube.

There can be no greater joy than the sound of an orchestra tuning up, as within minutes the conductor appears, a hush descends upon the audience and suddenly the auditorium is alive with music.

The Orchestra is pleased to welcome back conductor Mark Shiell, though his first appearance in 1987 was as the principal flautist and later principal conductor.

He now returns as guest conductor for this concert.

“I’ve always had a passion for conducting, but it wasn’t until I was 30 that I formally trained as a conductor at University of Melbourne,” he said.

“Conducting for the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra is an absolute joy. The commitment and creativity of the musicians. The way in which they love to explore the complexity of a piece of music, the colour, clarity, precision and subtlety.”

The performance will appeal to both experienced lovers of music and to those taking their first steps in a remarkable journey of live music, which can take the listener from classical through to jazz, soul, reggae and beyond.

Tickets available via wcpa.com.au or on 5338 0980 and are $20 for adults, $15 concession, $10 for students and children under 12 are free.