Imogen (Academy harpist) writes about
her experience during the first ever courses with Britten Sinfonia Academy, our
new ensemble for talented secondary school aged musicians from the east of
England. The group was formed in September and has since made their debut at
West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, Norwich Theatre Royal and the Barbican
Centre in London.
In early September,
Britten Sinfonia Academy met for their first day together and spent the day at
West Road improvising and getting to know each other. Since then we have worked
with Britten Sinfonia players towards performances together in Cambridge,
Norwich and London. Over the past few months we met up for a few weekends of
rehearsals and started to prepare for the three Birthday concerts. The first
concert was in Cambridge and it was great to be able to show all our hard work.
Playing at Norwich was really relaxing as we had played the music before and it
was interesting to play in a new acoustic. The performance at the Barbican was
great! We rehearsed in the morning and spent the day together before playing in
the evening. It was fantastic to play in such a prestigious venue and I had
such a great time.
The Academy has been a
really wonderful experience so far and I have learned many useful skills from
the way Britten Sinfonia work. It has taught me how important it is to really
think about crafting the music and paying attention to detail. Working without
a conductor gave me a chance to have a direct influence on how the music was played.
So often when you are playing in an orchestra you have to play the music the
way the conductor wants you to play it so it was great to have the opportunity
to find my own voice. The vibrant energy and wide musical knowledge of all the
players from Britten Sinfonia has really inspired me in both my ensemble
playing and my practice. Rehearsing in such detail made me realise how
important every element of the music is whether it is the articulation of a
single note or a simple lead into a phrase. It has taught me more about
listening to others and the importance of communication between players whilst
performing and rehearsing music. Working with members of Britten Sinfonia and
Britten Sinfonia Academy has been brilliant as it has helped me to develop as a
musician and as a player.
The positive energy
and virtuosic playing of everyone is so exciting and I can’t wait to see what
happens next with the Academy. I have enjoyed every minute of the Academy so
far and am learning more and more every time we play together. Britten Sinfonia
do not come together to play the music - they come together to be the music. It
has made me love music even more which I didn’t realise was possible! Thank you
to everyone involved with the Academy.
To find out more about Britten Sinfonia Academy click here
To find out more about Britten Sinfonia Academy click here
