PERTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
BACKGROUND
HISTORY
Perth Orchestral Society was founded in 1951, and its playing members - Perth Symphony Orchestra - gave their first concert on 26th April 1953. For fifty years the orchestra has performed two regular concerts each year, and is often invited to give other concerts, for example for charity. Today it has around 50 playing members with a professional conductor and leader.
AIM
The Society's aim is to provide enjoyment and give people the chance to play in an orchestra. To playing members, amateur and professional alike, it offers the opportunity of being part of a full symphony orchestra, and the satisfaction of giving regular public concerts in a full-sized hall. To listening members, it offers the pleasure of varied concert programmes - classical, romantic, modern, popular, and sometimes adventurous - at a modest cost, in the most central venue in Perth. The orchestra also likes to give young professional musicians, formerly at Perth and Kinross schools, the chance to play as augmenters. Exceptionally talented young Perth professionals are invited to perform as soloists.
BACKGROUND
HISTORY
Perth Orchestral Society was founded in 1951, and its playing members - Perth Symphony Orchestra - gave their first concert on 26th April 1953. For fifty years the orchestra has performed two regular concerts each year, and is often invited to give other concerts, for example for charity. Today it has around 50 playing members with a professional conductor and leader.
AIM
The Society's aim is to provide enjoyment and give people the chance to play in an orchestra. To playing members, amateur and professional alike, it offers the opportunity of being part of a full symphony orchestra, and the satisfaction of giving regular public concerts in a full-sized hall. To listening members, it offers the pleasure of varied concert programmes - classical, romantic, modern, popular, and sometimes adventurous - at a modest cost, in the most central venue in Perth. The orchestra also likes to give young professional musicians, formerly at Perth and Kinross schools, the chance to play as augmenters. Exceptionally talented young Perth professionals are invited to perform as soloists.
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CONDUCTOR ALLAN YOUNG
Allan studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama from the age of 16, and after graduation played with many orchestras including the Scottish Opera Orchestra. As an ongoing orchestral musician, he has performed with many of the local ensembles: Chansons, Perth Amateur Operatic Socitey, Perth Cathedral Operatic Sociaty, John Scrimger's Potted Palm Group and Perth Choral Socity.
In 1984 he took up the poistion of string instructor for Perth & Kinross until 1996 when he was appointed Music Co-ordinator for P&K Education and Children's Services, leading a 29 strong team of instrumental teachers.
In 2000 he succeeded Eoin Bennett as conductor of Perth Youth Orchestra, and led them not only in their music but also on tours all over UK and other countries in Europe, including Estonia, Poland, Germany and Italy.
Allan was appointed conductor of PSO in 1998, and has presented many innovative and exciting concerts. Of his many strengths, he is treasured for his interpretation of the music, his ability to coax the best out of the orchestra, and for his unfailing good humour and encouragement.
Allan studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama from the age of 16, and after graduation played with many orchestras including the Scottish Opera Orchestra. As an ongoing orchestral musician, he has performed with many of the local ensembles: Chansons, Perth Amateur Operatic Socitey, Perth Cathedral Operatic Sociaty, John Scrimger's Potted Palm Group and Perth Choral Socity.
In 1984 he took up the poistion of string instructor for Perth & Kinross until 1996 when he was appointed Music Co-ordinator for P&K Education and Children's Services, leading a 29 strong team of instrumental teachers.
In 2000 he succeeded Eoin Bennett as conductor of Perth Youth Orchestra, and led them not only in their music but also on tours all over UK and other countries in Europe, including Estonia, Poland, Germany and Italy.
Allan was appointed conductor of PSO in 1998, and has presented many innovative and exciting concerts. Of his many strengths, he is treasured for his interpretation of the music, his ability to coax the best out of the orchestra, and for his unfailing good humour and encouragement.
Allan's catchphrases and words of wisdom:-
"Very, very good"
"…..apart from that - very good, very good"
"A little faster?"
"Get the bowing right - the fingers will get the message"
"Always beware of the upbeats"
"Rests shouldn't be called rests, they should be called counting opportunities"
"Think of these fast notes as Stepping Stones"
"Very, very good"
"…..apart from that - very good, very good"
"A little faster?"
"Get the bowing right - the fingers will get the message"
"Always beware of the upbeats"
"Rests shouldn't be called rests, they should be called counting opportunities"
"Think of these fast notes as Stepping Stones"
LEADER LORNA MCGOVERN
Hailing from a family of musicians in Balfron Stirlingshire, Lorna began learning the violin at the age of 11, and was taught music by her mother Nan Mulgrew, who was an inspirational teacher for her and for many others.
Lorna studied violin performance at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with teacher Jerre Gibson, and has been a committed instrumental teacher for Perth and Kinross Education Authority since 1992.
Lorna was invited to become leader of Perth Symphony Orchestra in 1996. As well as her leader and teaching abilities, Lorna is much admired for her exquisite and entrancing solo performances.
Hailing from a family of musicians in Balfron Stirlingshire, Lorna began learning the violin at the age of 11, and was taught music by her mother Nan Mulgrew, who was an inspirational teacher for her and for many others.
Lorna studied violin performance at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with teacher Jerre Gibson, and has been a committed instrumental teacher for Perth and Kinross Education Authority since 1992.
Lorna was invited to become leader of Perth Symphony Orchestra in 1996. As well as her leader and teaching abilities, Lorna is much admired for her exquisite and entrancing solo performances.
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Jonathan Pinnick, bassoon
How long have you been playing with the orchestra?: 3½ years
How did you first become involved with PSO?: I moved to Perth for work in 2010 and was keen to find a local orchestra to play in. Music has always been a big part of my life so when I found PSO's website I got in touch and was invited along to a rehearsal. I've been a member ever since and am now on the management committee as Publicity Officer and Vice-Chair.
What's the best thing about being a member of PSO?: Everyone in the orchestra is very friendly and we have a lot of fun together. Allan (Young) creates a light-hearted atmosphere in rehearsals (most of the time!) but at the same time pushes us to achieve our full musical potential. We play a wide range of music to suit all tastes. Trips to the pub after rehearsals are also a highlight of my week!
What's your most memorable moment with PSO?: Performing Rimsky-Korsakov's "Sheherezade" in the last concert (November 2013). There were some fabulous solo bassoon passages which were great fun to play and stretched my abilities to the limit. There was some superb solo playing throughout the wind section and Lorna (leader & solo violin) was the star of the show. I'd previously played "Sheherezade" with my youth orchestra over a decade ago so it also brought back happy memories for me.
CAROLYN BELL, OBOE
"Once the kids were settled at school I took up the oboe as an engrossing hobby. I enjoyed practising but wished there could be a purpose to my playing. So when I moved to Perth in 1995 I was delighted to find that there was an orchestra that I could join and even more delighted when I found everyone friendly, kind and encouraging and the choice of music manageable. In time I was invited to join the committee and have served in the roles of secretary and chairperson and am gradually building an archive of the orchestra's history both on the website and in paper form.
"I find it life enhancing to be part of a large and diverse group of people all working together to create an entertainment which is 'more than the sum of the individual parts'. Every rehearsal and performance is different and on a good day the music really takes on a life of its own. As well as the orchestral repertoire members meet in smaller groups and explore chamber music too.
"My most memorable moment with PSO? ... I have many, many happy memories of my time in the orchestra. Socially the 50th Anniversary Dinner was a special event with all the orchestra's former leaders and most of the conductors present. Musically I really enjoyed playing the second symphony of Sibelius, being part of his fascinating landscape of sound, the Italian Girl in Algiers by Rossini and playing my part in the story of Scheherazade. There are wonderful moments of humour too: rehearsal comments such as Allan's cheerful "rests shouldn't be called rests, they should be called counting opportunities" ...
"Once the kids were settled at school I took up the oboe as an engrossing hobby. I enjoyed practising but wished there could be a purpose to my playing. So when I moved to Perth in 1995 I was delighted to find that there was an orchestra that I could join and even more delighted when I found everyone friendly, kind and encouraging and the choice of music manageable. In time I was invited to join the committee and have served in the roles of secretary and chairperson and am gradually building an archive of the orchestra's history both on the website and in paper form.
"I find it life enhancing to be part of a large and diverse group of people all working together to create an entertainment which is 'more than the sum of the individual parts'. Every rehearsal and performance is different and on a good day the music really takes on a life of its own. As well as the orchestral repertoire members meet in smaller groups and explore chamber music too.
"My most memorable moment with PSO? ... I have many, many happy memories of my time in the orchestra. Socially the 50th Anniversary Dinner was a special event with all the orchestra's former leaders and most of the conductors present. Musically I really enjoyed playing the second symphony of Sibelius, being part of his fascinating landscape of sound, the Italian Girl in Algiers by Rossini and playing my part in the story of Scheherazade. There are wonderful moments of humour too: rehearsal comments such as Allan's cheerful "rests shouldn't be called rests, they should be called counting opportunities" ...
Julia Banks, flute
"I have been playing with PSO since I moved to Perth in 1976. I could hardly believe my luck at finding myself in a town with a symphony orchestra with flute vacancy. I was immediately made to feel very welcome.
"Over the years I have made many friends through a shared love of music, and I feel very fortunate to have worked through such a wide orchestral repertoire: symphonies, overtures, and concertos with soloists who have gone on to successful international careers. It is thrilling to hear some work or soloist on the radio and to think: "We played that" or "…with him or her".
Quite early on I was invited to join the committee and served for several years as an ordinary member and, in the last few years, as Friends' Secretary.
"It is hard to pick out particular highlights, as all the concerts have been memorable and exciting, and it is always thrilling to feel oneself a part of a huge body of sound. I have particularly enjoyed playing in all the Brahms symphonies and felt particularly challenged by Scheherazade and Rachmaninov 2nd Symphony. The big event concerts have been great fun: the Choral Symphony with Perth Choral Society; the 50th anniversary concert; Perth 800 playing the music for the Royal Fireworks by the Tay, in the snow; last February's concert with PYO…
"Rehearsals are good fun too. Allan has a wonderful sense of humour, endless patience, a way of getting us to listen carefully to other sections of the orchestra and the gift of building up confidence, so that the scary moments of exposed entries, tricky rhythms and seemingly impossible rapid passages become manageable".
"I have been playing with PSO since I moved to Perth in 1976. I could hardly believe my luck at finding myself in a town with a symphony orchestra with flute vacancy. I was immediately made to feel very welcome.
"Over the years I have made many friends through a shared love of music, and I feel very fortunate to have worked through such a wide orchestral repertoire: symphonies, overtures, and concertos with soloists who have gone on to successful international careers. It is thrilling to hear some work or soloist on the radio and to think: "We played that" or "…with him or her".
Quite early on I was invited to join the committee and served for several years as an ordinary member and, in the last few years, as Friends' Secretary.
"It is hard to pick out particular highlights, as all the concerts have been memorable and exciting, and it is always thrilling to feel oneself a part of a huge body of sound. I have particularly enjoyed playing in all the Brahms symphonies and felt particularly challenged by Scheherazade and Rachmaninov 2nd Symphony. The big event concerts have been great fun: the Choral Symphony with Perth Choral Society; the 50th anniversary concert; Perth 800 playing the music for the Royal Fireworks by the Tay, in the snow; last February's concert with PYO…
"Rehearsals are good fun too. Allan has a wonderful sense of humour, endless patience, a way of getting us to listen carefully to other sections of the orchestra and the gift of building up confidence, so that the scary moments of exposed entries, tricky rhythms and seemingly impossible rapid passages become manageable".
Gillian Roxburgh, violin
"I have been playing the violin since the age of 7 and began orchestral playing a couple of years later. Orchestral playing has always been the leisure activity I enjoyed the most, but unfortunately I lost all my musical contacts when my family relocated to Muthill in 1993. I first became aware of PSO some years later, but childcare and transport problems, and later work commitments, meant I was unable to join until recently.
"I finally took the plunge in September 2013, joining the 1st violin section as rehearsals were beginning for what I was assured was the most difficult programme so far! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, which gave me the confidence to just join in and enjoy it. The atmosphere at rehearsals is always very relaxed- you get the sense that everyone is there because they enjoy playing - even if Allan does have to bully us into smiling!
"The high point of my time with PSO so far would have to be the end of the first rehearsal- I really could still play well enough to keep up! Having practised hard to make up lost ground, I now feel as if I have reached a slightly higher standard than before I stopped playing, and am looking forward to playing with the orchestra for many years to come".
"I have been playing the violin since the age of 7 and began orchestral playing a couple of years later. Orchestral playing has always been the leisure activity I enjoyed the most, but unfortunately I lost all my musical contacts when my family relocated to Muthill in 1993. I first became aware of PSO some years later, but childcare and transport problems, and later work commitments, meant I was unable to join until recently.
"I finally took the plunge in September 2013, joining the 1st violin section as rehearsals were beginning for what I was assured was the most difficult programme so far! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, which gave me the confidence to just join in and enjoy it. The atmosphere at rehearsals is always very relaxed- you get the sense that everyone is there because they enjoy playing - even if Allan does have to bully us into smiling!
"The high point of my time with PSO so far would have to be the end of the first rehearsal- I really could still play well enough to keep up! Having practised hard to make up lost ground, I now feel as if I have reached a slightly higher standard than before I stopped playing, and am looking forward to playing with the orchestra for many years to come".
Jane Murphy, violin
"I completed Standard and Higher Grade Music as a mature student at Kinross High School between 1992 and 1996. I was a playing member of the school orchestra and string ensemble.
"I joined PSO in 1997 and have always found every rehearsal to be relaxed and friendly. My playing has improved immensely with the expert guidance of Allan and Lorna, and I enjoy meeting for rehearsals and coffee break with fellow members.
"My most memorable pieces I have played are: Barber's Adagio for strings, Brahms Symphonies - they are always challenging, and Allan has a way of bringing out the best in our playing and guiding us to our full potential. I also enjoyed the concert with PYO 2013 and of course Scheherazade. There have been many more memorable concerts and am looking forward to many more with PSO.
"I began playing violin as a mature student because I did not have the chance to take up the instrument when I was younger. Yes, it is difficult to learn but the rewards and satisfaction you gain with achievement outway the difficulty. If you have always wanted to take up violin my advice to you is GO FOR IT! Believe me you will not look back".
"I completed Standard and Higher Grade Music as a mature student at Kinross High School between 1992 and 1996. I was a playing member of the school orchestra and string ensemble.
"I joined PSO in 1997 and have always found every rehearsal to be relaxed and friendly. My playing has improved immensely with the expert guidance of Allan and Lorna, and I enjoy meeting for rehearsals and coffee break with fellow members.
"My most memorable pieces I have played are: Barber's Adagio for strings, Brahms Symphonies - they are always challenging, and Allan has a way of bringing out the best in our playing and guiding us to our full potential. I also enjoyed the concert with PYO 2013 and of course Scheherazade. There have been many more memorable concerts and am looking forward to many more with PSO.
"I began playing violin as a mature student because I did not have the chance to take up the instrument when I was younger. Yes, it is difficult to learn but the rewards and satisfaction you gain with achievement outway the difficulty. If you have always wanted to take up violin my advice to you is GO FOR IT! Believe me you will not look back".