I have been serving as a Second Violinist at the Kensington Philharmonic Orchestra (the Orchestra) last year as part of achieving the Gold Arts Award. The Orchestra has a very demanding repertoire, since they are consisted of players of professional and advanced standard.
The repertoire for fall 2017 includes: 1. Glinka - Russlan and Ludmilla Overture, 2. Dvorak - Cello Concerto, op. 104, in B minor (which my Orchestra performed with Tim Lowe), and 3. Shostakovich - Symphony no.10 op.93.
I rehearsed every week with the Orchestra at the Parish Hall, London, and on 20 November 2017, I also have the chance to meet and rehearse with a professional practitioner, Tom Lowe, in preparation for the last philharmonic concert of the year.
Violin is not my principal instrument and although I have always been confident of my level of violin playing, I could feel the pressure while learning all the advanced pieces in the repertoire (which had a total duration of 1.5 hour) apart from my repertoire for my usual music study. I had communicated with fellow members in the Orchestra about the interpretation of the pieces and worked hard to extend my techniques.
As the youngest member of the Orchestra, I am very proud of myself helping with the successful delivery of the concert at Chelsea Town Hall, London. I assisted the committee in terms of marketing before the concert, and collected feedback from the audience members after the performance. I have also gained an insight into the logistics side of organising a large-scaled philharmonic concert.
What an inspiring thing to do for your Gold Arts Award!