Music from the movies project strikes a chord (From Worcester News)

Music from the movies project strikes a chord

9:30am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News By Neil Watts

A NEW project will allow musicians who want to play music from the big screen to enjoy the experience of ensemble music-making.

The Film Orchestra (TFO) was launched by Jane Whittle in the summer following repeated requests from musicians who enjoyed the experience of WODYS (Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society’s Youth Section) shows at the Swan Theatre.

A first play-through with rehearsals will take place at St Mary’s Convent School, Worcester, on Saturday and Sunday. The second play-through will be held at Malvern College on Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5. Mrs Whittle, who is also the orchestra’s conductor, said: “Every year, members of the audience come up to me and ask how they can join the WODYS band.

“We can only accommodate a few musicians in the pit at the Swan. By establishing an orchestra of this nature, we can give intermediate players the chance to sit alongside more experienced musicians and develop their music skills in a fun but not too threatening way.”

She has teamed up with musicians Ed Malpass, David Etheridge and English Symphony Orchestra (ESO) orchestral manager Peter Sheeran to bring the project to fruition.

The Film Orchestra is also planning to collaborate with the ESO residential summer orchestral course at the Downs, Colwall, in August with a massed concert at the school. She said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the enthusiasm and support from musicians all over the world for this project.

“I have been contacted by musicians and academics in China and the US, interested in what is happening and offering their support.

“There is no other orchestra like this in this country. I am indebted to Howard Goodall CBE who has agreed to become patron of TFO. Howard is well-known and highly regarded as a music educator and composer of such well-loved TV themes as Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley.”

They are also seeking sponsorship to fund the purchase of blockbuster musical scores, including those by American composer John Williams that have lit up the silver screen in films such as E.T., Star Wars and Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone.

Membership is open to musicians and supporters at £20. For more information call Jane Whittle on 07590 431965.