In July, 50 musicians accompanied by six staff travelled to Czechia for a week of concerts, musical events and sightseeing. This was a tour centred on the Big Band and Symphony Orchestra in which the musicians would perform in Prague and Plzen but also the characterful and charming spa towns of Frantiskovy Lazne, Marianske Lazne and Karlovy Vary. This was a tour of epic proportions, not least in the logistics of transporting the instruments of the ensembles which included no less than double basses, cellos, drum kits, timpani, baritone saxophones alongside amps, music stands and a keyboard. This wonderful logistical operation was coordinated by Dr Preece and Mr Popplewell whilst the students’ contribution to dismantling and reassembling the van became a work of art as the tour progressed.
Throughout our stay in Czechia, we performed on six occasions with a particular highlight for the Symphony Orchestra being performance twice of Dvorak’s 8th Symphony, a work composed by the Czech composer in Prague. It was a real privilege to perform this music and certainly the native audience were hugely appreciative, with a standing ovation in our final concert. The Big Band performed brilliantly under the direction of Dr Preece, and the synergy and cohesion of the band strengthened with every single performance. The orchestra performed an array of other orchestral music including works by Grieg, Marquez, Benjamin and Shostakovich whilst Thomas revealed his wonderful pianism one final time in performance of Shostakovich’s exuberant Piano Concerto No. 2. Our Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta, featuring string players, also performed an array of music including Holst’s ‘St Paul’s Suite’, Rachmaninoff ‘Vocalise’ and Dvorak’s ‘Serenade for Strings.’ Finally, there was an opportunity for our chamber groups to play a lunchtime recital in the St Nicholas Church in the Old Town in Prague.
Alongside the music, there was plenty of opportunity to enjoy the rich Czech culture both in terms of cuisine and museums. Students were able to visit the National Museum, the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral alongside an array of individual museums. This was a special week of music making in which both the musicianship, cultural awareness and social cohesion of the group grew beautifully, resulting in a memorable and hopefully, cherished trip for all who were fortunate to attend.
