Firstly a little history... if anyone knows more and wishes to contribute then please let us know, thank you.
The Newton Abbot Orchestra has been in existence for at least 30 years, having begun its life as The Linden Orchestral Players. As far as we know, Rosina Wall and her sister, Dulcie Sadler established the orchestra and over time, they changed its name to Newton Abbot Orchestra. Marion Room then conducted the orchestra for about 10 years until 1994. Since then, the orchestra has had several conductors until Rob Young took the baton...
Rob gained his Music degree at Goldsmith’s College, London in 1990 where he also received further tuition on piano.
Upon returning to Devon to join the family business he soon took up position as Musical Director of the Kingsbridge Amateur Theatrical Society (K.A.T.S) for whom he M.D’d ten shows. During his time with K.A.T.S, Rob also worked with other societies including T.O.A.D.S Theatre Company in Torquay.
Subsequently he has worked with many other groups including the Torquay Operatic Society (T.O.P.S), Amdram Productions, Exeter Musical Society and even the Bands of the Royal Artillery and Her Majesty’s Royal Marines as part of Plymouth’s community musical event, Music Of The Night. He has also had a lot of experience as an accompanist and over the past few years has worked on a number of different ventures with the actor/writer Peter Reeves.
Rob became Musical Director of the Newton Abbot Orchestra in October 2006, and since then has conducted many successful concerts in a wide variety of locations.
In addition to M.D'ing, conducting and accompanying, Rob has also found time to write music, and plans to devote more energy to this in the future.
The pre-concert warm-up... Lights, camera, action! (ok we'll settle for just the lights!)
More pics - here
Tarhu Concert world premiere
A video recording of the first performance of the Tarhu Concerto by Janna Morasch (Bulmer) from the Exeter concert in April 2014.
– New content welcome...
Thank you to everyone who has sent jokes and repertoire suggestions. Now you've done the fun stuff how about someone supplying me with new, up-to-date copy? Go on - you know you want to!
Any offers of help re-writing the existing sections, or creating a full history of the orchestra would be much appreciated!
horn Clive
A sample joke or two...
Q: How do you make a trombone sound like a French horn?
A: Put your hand in the bell and miss a lot of notes.
Q: How do you get two oboes in tune?
A: Shoot one of them.
NEW! cello Micki's Golden Rules for Ensemble Playing...
So far for 2022 we have planned two concerts to be finalised and one definite:
A Spring Concert (sometime in May, possibly in Dawlish)
To include Bach's Double Violin Concerto amongst other things.
June 10th (Friday) The Guildhall, Plymouth
With the Military Wives Choir.
A Summer Concert (probably mid-July, maybe at Ashburton Arts or perhaps somewhere new to us?! Recommendations gratefully received!)
Full details coming soon....
See most of the repertoire for the first half of 2022 below.
Rehearsals with the NAO
We rehearse the usual 3 terms a year in line with schools and colleges, and usually stage one or two concerts at the end of each term.
Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm We rehearse every other week for most of each term, but with extra Wednesdays added in the run up to the concerts. St Luke's Church, Milber, Newton Abbot.
Current Schedule: 26 January
9 & 23 February
9 & 23 March
6 April
Newcomers welcome! But please check with us for directions, parking and to confirm rehearsal dates.
Players wanted!
If you play an instrument listed below, and are interested in joining us we'd love to hear from you!
Please contact Moira by email first (newtonabbotorchestra@gmail.com) to arrange when you may be able to come along (please don't come to a rehearsal without prior arrangement).
We don't hold formal auditions, but after sharing info by email we usually suggest that you attend for a couple of rehearsals to see if the NAO is for you (and vice versa).
We do have some younger players, though a minimum of Grade 5 standard is recommended.
Haydn - Symphony No.104
JS Bach - Concerto for two violins, strings & continuo in D minor BWV.1043
Bruch - Romanze for viola
Borodin - Symphony No.3
Debussy - Petite Suite
Malcolm Arnold - Little Suite 1 and/or 2
Movie themes: Schindler’s List
Gabriel’s Oboe
49th Parallel
Plus the usual 'Last Night of The Proms' favourites!
