World’s Largest Orchestra 2010
I’ve taken part in two ‘World’s Largest Orchestra’ events in the past … One was in 1996, at Symphony Hall, when we played a piece by Howard Blake (the guy who wrote the Snowman music). The conductor was Sir Simon Rattle. Unfortunately this attempt was disqualified as the music didn’t last long enough.
The second was in 1998 at the National Indoor Arena, and the music was Sir Malcolm Arnold‘s ‘Little Suite No 2′, again with Sir Simon Rattle conducting. This time it did count, and the record stood at nearly 4000 musicians. However, the record didn’t last long, as it was broken again in 2000 by a group in Vancouver.
Well, the attempt is coming back to the UK now, and work has started organising it for a day in October this year. They need around 7000 people to take part.
So, if you play, or are keen to take part, take a look at their website – http://www.worldslargestorchestra.org/ or their Facebook Group.
Kevin.
Bill Baileys Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra
Just finished watching Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra. Its classic Bill Bailey, with the addition of the BBC concert orchestra and rhythm section. Enjoy the cockney classics with full orchestral illustrations, details of key instruments, ‘insect nation‘ as you’ve never heard it before, Doctor Qui (with full rhythm section) and a master performance of Saint-Saen‘s Swan … using alpine cow-bells!
Excellent stuff. You have a few days left to see it on iPlayer (so don’t hang about)! Until someone posts it to YouTube of course …
Oh, and if you’re a trombone player, lookout for the performance of William Tell at the 25 minute mark! Pure, brilliant, Bill Bailey!
Kevin.
First ever online collaborate orchestra!
The London Symphony Orchestra and Michael Tilson Thomas are looking to produce the first ever online collaborate orchestra via YouTube. Auditions are on now, download the piece, submit a video of you playing, and they will be choosing which to link up. It all finishes in a performance in Carnegie Hall in April next year.
Full details available here – http://uk.youtube.com/symphony
Kevin.
