In celebration of the inauguration of the Trust at the De Valence Pavilion, a Gala Concert will take place on Thursday, April 1, presented by the Creative Arts Department of Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby (writes Jennifer Richards, of SOGO).
The teaching and playing of music has long been one of the major objectives of Greenhill, and, thanks to head of department, Mr. Paul Rapi, the school has acquired an excellent reputation throughout the United Kingdom, and internationally, for its musical enterprise. Mr. Rapi, who was a successful finalist in the nationwide Classic FM 'Music Teacher of the Year' Awards in 2002, has ensured that his students achieve the highest standards of musicianship, at the same time enabling them to have great fun while reaping rich rewards.
The main orchestra consists of approximately 110 students. There is also a symphony orchestra; an intermediate orchestra; a concert band; a jazz band; a choir, and several smaller ensembles playing classical, jazz and rock music. The achievements of these students over the years indicate that they are indeed extremely talented and dedicated to their cause. Having great respect for their subject, the students take enormous pride in what they have achieved. The excitement that is generated, and the hours of work and preparation involved, result in a mature interpretation of the music and an effortless performance.
Frequent appearances of the two main orchestras have been made at the National Festival of Music for Youth at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and in Birmingham. Highly Commended awards were received by the Greenhill School Orchestra in 1997 and 1999 and by the Chamber Orchestra in 1998 and 2000. These accolades were made all the more impressive by the fact that these orchestras were competing against those from private schools.
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The success of the Chamber Orchestra culminated in an appearance at the Mozart Festival in San Francisco in 2001, organised by the American conductor, George Cleeve. The main orchestra achieved great success as winners of the Urdd Eisteddfod in both 2002 and 2003. Appearances have also been made at the Welsh School Proms at St. David's Hall, Cardiff.
Foreign tours regularly take place, including a visit to Paris in 1998, with a performance at Disneyland; a tour of Germany and Austria in 2000, when the orchestra played in Salzburg, and a visit to Prague in 2003. The students were also treated to the arrival of the international conductor, Grant Llewellyn, who himself hails from Tenby, when he conducted the orchestra in a concert for the Tenby Arts Festival in 2001.
A committee, the Supporters of Greenhill Orchestra (SOGO), is comprised mainly, but not exclusively, of parents of members of the present orchestra. This was formed formally in 1998 to promote concerts, organise supporters' visits and enhance resources. Sponsorship and patronage are actively encouraged, and any interest in the committee's endeavours is always appreciated. In fact, offers of help from those who would prefer not to attend meetings are always very acceptable.
The Greenhill School Orchestras are no strangers to the De Valence, having performed there on many occasions. Most notable of these was a Millennium Concert, in which former members of the main orchestra joined current members for a reunion performance; and also a Royal Charter Musical Celebration to commemorate the 600 years since King Henry IV granted a Charter to the Burgesses of Tenby. This last concert was also a celebration of the life of Mr. Arthur Ormond MBE, former editor of the Tenby Observer.
The Gala Concert for the inauguration of the De Valence Trust begins at 7.30 pm, with doors opening at 7 pm. Tickets, available from the Greenhill School and Dales, Tenby, are priced at £5 and £4 (concession) and from £6 and £5 on the door. A selection of music ranging from Mussorgsky and Schubert to jazz and film music will be played, so please go along and support these talented students in their musical endeavours. You will not be disappointed!
Dawn of a new era!
April 1 is an important date for SOGO, being the date of their long-awaited Gala Concert. It is also an important date for the fledgling De Valence Trust, being the date that the Trust and its band of enthusiastic trustees assume responsibility for the future running of the De Valence Pavilion from Tenby Town Council.
The trustees are all delighted that the first concert of their era should feature the Greenhill School orchestras, as that guarantees both an excellent concert, and, we are sure, a large audience to enjoy the evening's entertainment.
The concert also epitomises the excellent use of the facility -- by the community, for the community. Be it a concert, exhibition, meeting place, dinner, dance, or even a wedding - the De Valence can host them all.
We wish the concert every success, and look forward to welcoming you to be part of the first audience for this, the new and exciting era for Tenby's 'All Purpose' Big Space!
As trustees, we undertake to do everything we can to ensure the future success of the building, but to be truly successful, we will need the full support of all the community. We very much hope that we will also be able to welcome you on many more occasions in the future.