Britten Sinfonia Academy Aldeburgh Residency

Britten Sinfonia Academy have just returned from Snape Maltings where they joined Aldeburgh Young Musicians for an intensive week-long chamber orchestra course themed 'Britten Inspired'.

The young musicians explored existing repertoire and also developed new material created by young AYM composers for full ensembles and smaller chamber groups. The course was led by Britten Sinfonia's violinist Clara Bliss and composer Dobrinka Tabakova, and the musicians were joined by Bridget Carey (viola), Sarah O'Flynn (flute), Lucy Railton (cello) and Matt Yardley (trumpet).

Here are some photos showing what the Academy got up to during their week in Aldeburgh:

Early morning yoga on the Hepworth Lawn (c) Otis Luxton/AYM

Every morning began with a warm-up with everyone

warming up

An informal sharing of work by AYM composers

Small ensemble rehearsals

(c) Otis Luxton/AYM

(c) Otis Luxton / AYM

A rehearsal with an AYM composer

Of course there were breaks from the music including lunchtime football matches

and walks in the beautiful surroundings of Snape

Dobrinka Tabakova rehearsing her new piece with the ensemble

Full ensemble rehearsal

Of course the management and professional musicians managed to find time for fish and chips on the beach

Dobrinka Tabakova (composer) and Mateja Kaluza (Britten Sinfonia Creative Learning Assistant) admire Maggi Hambling's famous sculpture inspired by Benjamin Britten

To find out more about Britten Sinfonia Academy click here