Hereford awards outstanding musicians
The search is on for Herefordshire’s most outstanding contributor to music for this year’s Elgar in Hereford Award.
Members of the public, as well as professionals are being urged to nominate people of all ages and abilities to receive this year’s award which is for contribution rather than musical ability.
The winner will be presented with their award at a showcase concert by the Herefordshire Youth Orchestra on Tuesday 8th May at 7.30pm in the Shirehall, Hereford.
Herefordshire’s youth orchestra is run and supported by Herefordshire Council. It is made up of young people aged 13-18 from across the county and meets once a week, performing regularly to raise money for charity.
This year’s concert will be lead by, 18 year old Liam Dunachie who has written a piece for the whole orchestra, including harps, and will be performed at the concert at the Shirehall Hereford on Tuesday 8th May at 7.30pm. The programme includes Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretal Overture, J.S. Bach, Suite in B minor for flute and strings with soloist Clare Evans and Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March No4.
Paul Aldred, head of the council’s music service says, “Herefordshire has some incredibly talented musicians supported by people who help promote and improve the quality of this talent.
“We hope that the committee will get a broad range of nominations for the Edgar in Hereford award and it is fitting that it will be presented at an event hosted by the county’s young musicians.
We are always eager to encourage newcomers, although competition for the 60-strong youth orchestra is high.
“Being part of the youth orchestra helps our young musicians build their expertise and gain experience of team work as they have to perform as an orchestra.
“It helps improve listening skills and gives young people the opportunity to meet others outside their school environment. There’s a social element to being part of the orchestra too – last summer we took 90 young people to the opera at Verona in Italy as part of a nine day tour which also included three concerts – a fantastic experience that will stay will many of them for years to come.”
Tickets for the concert are available on the door, cost £4 adults and £3 concessions (free for 18 years and under). All the proceeds go to cover the costs of the concert.
Young musicians interested in joining the Youth Orchestra can contact the Council’s music service on (01432) 260840 for further information.
