External String Chamber Music Day

The day opened with everyone playing in a string orchestra rehearsing La Cumparsita by Rodriguez. This allowed all the participants to get to know each other a little better before dividing off into small chamber groups which were coached by a specialist string team of teachers (Christina Scott, Bryony Moody, Stephanie Sorrentino, Fiona Murphy, Richard Rowntree, Tamsin Cline and Graham Scott).

Repertoire worked on throughout the day included Handel's Concerto Grosso op 6, no 1; allegro, Corelli's Concerto Grosso op 6, no 8; Vivace, Cantilena for string quartet by Rose, Lucky Break for 3 violins and piano by Kathy and David Blackwell, Moor's Dance for string quintet by Susato, Serenata for 3 violins, double bass and piano by McLean and Cavalcade for string quartet by Anita Hewitt-Jones.  All groups along with the string orchestra performed at the end of day informal concert and it was really impressive to see all the musicians rise to the challenge of performing chamber music to a high standard without a conductor and with only a few hours of rehearsal time.