St Andrews Chamber Orchestra

St Andrews Chamber Orchestra aims to bring together the best players from St Andrews and the surrounding area to perform a varied repertoire to the highest possible standard. The orchestra is conducted by Michael Downes, the University's Director of Music, and led by Tim Craggs, a Research Fellow in the School of Physics and first violin of the Rusalka Quartet.

Programmes planned for 2009-10 are as follows:

Semester 1

Sibelius: Pelléas and Mélisande

Wagner: Siegfried Idyll

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3

         Soloist: Murray McLachlan

Concert: Thursday 3 December 2009, Younger Hall, 8pm

Semester 2

Fauré: Masques et Bergamasques

Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A major

Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte

Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major

         Soloist: Noé Kains

Concert: Friday 30 April 2010, Younger Hall,  8pm

Rehearsals will take place in the Younger Hall on Monday evenings during term-time from 7.15 - 9.45pm (first rehearsal: Monday 5 October).

Membership of the orchestra is open to students, staff and members of the wider community, subject to an informal audition and payment of Music Centre membership fee. Auditions will take place on Monday 7 September (5.30 - 9pm) and Monday 28 September (9.30am - 9pm).  Candidates should prepare one piece of their choice.  To arrange an audition time, please contact the Music Centre office. For any enquiries about the orchestra, please contact Michael Downes.