Forest Philharmonic, a Walthamstow-based community orchestra, offers the experience of quality live classical music locally and is doing important work to nurture young musical talent in the area.
Founded in 1964, the full-size symphony orchestra has since become one of the foremost community orchestras the country. The eighty musicians involved include teachers, students, freelancers and amateurs. As well as a regular season of concerts at their base – the iconic Walthamstow Assembly Hall – they perform across Waltham Forest, Hackney and Hertfordshire and have even played at the prestigious Barbican Centre, Royal Festival Hall and St John’s, Smith Square. In the past, many that have trained with Forest Philharmonic have gone on to have professional orchestra careers.
The orchestra has become an important contributor to the local musical community. In recent years it has opened its Monday evening rehearsals at St Gabriel’s Church to both seasoned amateurs and young budding musicians. Music Service students are given the option to either sit behind the orchestra and watch conductor Mark Shanahan or observe the musicians by sitting in the instrument section of their choosing. This allows them to experience being a part of a full-size symphony orchestra, whilst learning from more senior musicians. Orchestra members ensure students feel welcome by advising on what’s going on throughout the rehearsal. Furthermore, if a soloist is featured in the concert being rehearsed for, students are able to chat with them and ask questions.
So far, Forest Philharmonic’s endeavours to get young people involved have proved very popular. Speaking after her daughter had taken part in a rehearsal, one parent said: “She was full of enthusiasm after her evening and would love to join in with another event like this in the future.”
Parents and young musicians can also buy discounted, front-row tickets to the orchestra’s concerts, enabling them to be as close to the action as possible. Again, this idea has been a success.
The orchestra has also recently announced their 2010/2011 season at Walthamstow Assembly Hall: “The new series is designed to provide a range for all: ranging from the Classical style of Mozart, the huge tunes of Romantic Tchaikovsky and Brahms to theatrical music from Walton and Berlioz. You may not have experienced the sonority of Gabrieli’s brass chorales or the power of a huge Mahler symphony orchestra and chorus, but here’s your chance to escape the frantic bustle of everyday life and enjoy some sublime music on your doorstep.”
Andrew Gourlay is to conduct their first, all-Russian concert that will include familiar favourite, Tchaikovsky’s fifth Symphony. Following this will be a Christmas-time performance of one of Mozart’s most popular concertos amongst other pieces and a solo from principal horn player, Martin Grainger.
In 2011 the season will continue with a theatre-themed evening, including a piece inspired by Romeo and Juliet. For this February concert, Forest Philharmonic will have young people actually playing in rehearsals, as part of their plans – currently being discussed with Waltham Forest Music Service – to provide even more opportunities for young musicians. The season will then end with a performance to mark one hundred years since the death of Mahler. The new season begins on 24th October. For details of the concerts, see our what’s on section or visit their website: http://www.forestphilharmonic.org.uk/.
For information on playing with the orchestra, call 01279 814931 or e-mail orchestra@forestphilharmonic.org.uk.
