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Musicians wanted for reopening of East End “palace of delights”

A musical gala, featuring the Water City Festival Orchestra, is amongst a spring 2013 season of events to mark the official re-opening of the historic Great Hall of the People’s Palace at Queen Mary, University of London.

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The east London-based Orchestra is calling for other local musicians to play with them; interpreting the rich story of the Lower Lea Valley – past, present and future - through an exciting soundscape of expressive music, digital imagery and narration.

Central to the performance, which takes place on Sunday 3 February at 6.30pm, are excerpts from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Karelia Suite by Sibelius, Saint-Saëns’ Dansemacabre and La Cathedral Engloutie by Debussy.

Lord Mawson, Chairman of the Water City Festival, says: “This evening will tell in music, film, and narration the past, present, and future story of the Lower Lea Valley. It will give an inside view of Olympic Legacy as seen through the eyes of people who live and work in east London.”

“It is fitting to play these famous musical scores, in the Great Hall, in an event to reflect the long heritage and vibrant regeneration of east London in the wake of the 2012 Games,” adds Professor Peter McOwan, Vice Principal for External Relations and Public Engagement at Queen Mary.

“The Great Hall has undergone £6m-worth of refurbishments to restore it to its former glory as a “palace of delights”, entertainment and education for the people of east London. The recital will showcase the best local musical talent in stunning performance facilities, symbolising the pride and optimism in the Olympic boroughs.”

The Water City Festival Orchestra, led by Michael Bochmann and conducted by Rupert Bond, is particularly seeking string, horn, trombone and percussion players at a Grade Six standard or above. Musicians should contact Maria Smith no later than Wednesday 9 January 2013, if they would like to take part: mariazarina@ntlworld.com or 07860 582 174.

Rehearsals take place on Friday 1 February through to Sunday 3 February*; culminating in Sunday’s public performance. Attendance at all rehearsals is preferable, but event organisers will be happy to consider reduced attendance on a case by case basis.

 

*Rehearsal times as follows:

Fri 1 Feb 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Sat 2 Feb 9.30 - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm

Sun 3 Feb, morning 10am -1pm full orchestra rehearsal, and 2pm - 5pm (technical run through with full orchestra and film).

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