THIS WEEK'S REHEARSAL IS AT BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

We are rehearsing in their Great Hall which is in the main building.  There is parking in the main car park located just behind the main Hall on the map.

Everyone should have received a map by email!  See you all there!

After a hugely successful rehearsal, talk in the pub turned to Ireland's forthcoming clash with England at Croke Park. With a certain member of the horn section adamant that Irish success was in the offing, it was agreed to organise a group viewing of the game. Details will go out by email for anyone interested in watching Jonny teach the peasants a lesson!

A crowd of approximately 500 attended the concert this season, and the event was definitely the most successful thus far. A stupendous performance was enjoyed by all with the finale of the Shostakovich nearly taking the roof off. Congratulations to everyone!

The Brunel Sinfonia will be returning to Clifton College for their rehearsals this autumn season. Bristol Grammar School was an excellent alternative location, but the added space and tea/coffee facilities at Clifton make it the obvious choice. Occasional rehearsals will still be held at BGS when availability at Clifton is limited. Clifton will also be generously lending the Sinfonia their percussion for the Temple Meads concert. Many thanks are due to Director of Music, James Hills.

The Temple Meads concert has proved very popular and spaces in most sections are now full. We're still looking for another cornet player, a hornist and a contrabassoon, as well as violas. Any ideas, do the the usual and let Dave know asap!

Places for the Autumn Season are going rapidly, and the only spaces remaining are in the violins, violas, basses and horns. If anyone would like to recommend someone, we'd be very grateful!

One-time member Alice Billen has been confirmed as our viola soloist for the March concert. She was a founder member of the Brunel Sinfonia, playing in our first two concerts before leaving Bristol to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. It will be a real pleasure to welcome back one of our own for a concert which will mark the beginning of our third year.

The Brunel Sinfonia is planning a blockbuster summer performance of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius in association with Clifton College Chorus. James Hills, Director of Music at Clifton College, was impressed with the orchestra's ability in the Finzi concert last term, and we are hoping to make this a sell-out event at Clifton Cathedral. It should also be very useful financially, with it hoped that many parents of pupils will want to attend.

The Brunel Sinfonia has been invited to perform at Temple Meads Station as part of the closing celebrations for Brunel 200. The centrepiece to the celebrations will be the unveiling of a Brunel Memorial. The performance, at 10am on Saturday, 16th September, will feature the opening movement of Geoffrey Burgon's Industrial Dreams along with popular classics including Pomp and Circumstance, Greensleeves and the Marriage of Figaro Overture.