Primary choirs to sing with Chamber Orchestra

The programme entitled ‘Popular Classics for Easter’ is a night of classical music not to be missed! The concert will include an eclectic selection of music to celebrate this very special time of year. The orchestra will perform some well known Easter Hymns including Vaughan William’s Psalm 100 (All People that on Earth do Dwell) and Handel’s Trumpet March (Thine be the Glory).

The orchestra will be joined by a massed Primary School Choir, comprising of children from Braidside and Carniny primary schools. The choir will sing ‘World In Union’ and the particular piece has been specifically chosen to celebrate the theme of unity on Good Friday. Other classical treats include a Strauss Waltz for Spring, Pachelbel’s Canon and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No.4.

Artistic director Rebekah Durston explains how important it is to reach out to people of all ages when designing a programme.

“Too often growing up, I was the youngest member of the audience by about fifty years. This year I am especially excited to be collaborating with two Primary School choirs. It is vitally important to encourage young people to participate and get involved in live music making. The children have the opportunity to sing with a live classical orchestra, which can only be a fun, exciting and educational experience.

“We are inviting the children to watch the rest of the performance and for some of them, this may be the first time they have ever seen a live classical orchestra. It is my hope that this experience and exposure will enthuse and inspire the children to pursue their interest in music even further.”

The Ballymena Chamber Orchestra is now in its sixth year and is going from strength to strength with many of its members prize winner’s both locally and nationally.

Its current violinist, Carolyn Hall, was recently accepted onto a specialist early music training programme, run by the well know baroque violinist Rachel Podger. Eva Richards (cellist) recently won the prestigious Philip F.Walsh Award for the highest mark in ABRSM Grade 8 in Ireland and many of the younger BCO members were also recently placed first and second in the Ballymena Music Festival. Furthermore three of the current orchestra members also form part of the Ulster Youth Orchestra and will be touring with the orchestra this summer.

Be sure not to miss Ballymena Chamber Orchestra’s very special performance on Good Friday, April 6th, at 8pm in the Braid Arts Centre. Tickets cost £10, senior citizens and students £8 and for children under 12 admission is FREE. Tickets are available from the Box Office at The Braid Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena or call 02825 635900. Box Office open Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat 9am-4pm.