Morley Chamber Orchestra
Morley Chamber Orchestra undertakes a programme of rehearsal repertoire sessions and concert performances at major venues such as St. John's, Smith Square, as well as at Morley itself. Its membership comprises some of London's finest non-professional musicians and traces its origins back to its formation by Michael Tippett in 1932. The orchestra's Autumn 2009 schedule included Haydn and Mendelsohn programmes. Planned performances for 2010 start at Morley College on Friday 11th February followed by a concert at St. John's Smith Square on 11 June. (see below for more details).
Start date after Christmas is 14 January
Background
Morley College Chamber Orchestra has a long and distinguished history dating back to its formation in 1932 by Sir Michael Tippett. Originally intended as a repertoire orchestra (continued to this day), occasional concert giving also forms part of its life. Repertoire naturally centres on the classics but also goes through to the 21st century.
Since January 2006, the orchestra has been conducted by Charles Peebles, graduate of Cambridge and the Guildhall, conducting fellow at Tanglewood and winner of the 1992 Cadaques International Conducting Competition in Spain. He has conducted leading orchestras throughout Britain, Europe, the Far East and beyond including the RPO, BBC Symphony, Orquesta Nacional de Espana, Vienna Chamber Orchestra and National Symphony of Mexico, as well as opera at Glyndebourne, Garsington and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
Charles Peebles' website »
With an impressive past and an even brighter future, Morley College Chamber Orchestra is one of the jewels of British non-professional music making. We at Morley welcome approaches from musicians who feel they would like to share in and contribute to this fine ensemble.
Depending on experience and credentials, there is no set audition procedure and applications will be assessed on individual grounds and the current requirements of the orchestra's ongoing membership. For enquiries concerning joining the orchestra, please contact Morley College Music Department on 020 7450 1838 or ann.cowling@morleycollege.ac.uk
Applications from violins, cellos and trumpets would be particularly welcome.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals begin on 17th September and run on Thursdays as normal. There will be a half term break on 29th October.
Concerts for 2010
Thursday 11th February at 7.30
Emma Cons Hall, Morley College
- Mozart Symphony no. 26 K184
- Mozart Concert arias
- Schoenberg Accompaniment to an imaginary film scene
- Beethoven Symphony no. 1
Members of Morley Opera
Friday 11th June at 7.30
St John's Smith Square
- Kurt Schwertsik Schrumpf Symphonie
- Schubert Symphony no. 6
- Schubert Excerpts from Rosamunde
- Kurt Schwertsik Epilogue zu Rosamunde
75 years of Morley Chamber Orchestra
In 2007 Morley Chamber Orchestra celebrated 75 years since its foundation by Sir Michael Tippett. The trailed gala concert to mark this historic and remarkable milestone took place on 6 December at 7.30pm at St. John's, Smith Square.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the death of Vaughan Williams, the Morley Chamber Orchestra performed a programme of his works at St. John's, Smith Square on 14 November 2008. Details of the MCO concert at St John's.
