Another blockbuster audience of over 400 witnessed the Brunel Sinfonia's spring season climax.  Opening with Sibelius' Finlandia, the orchestra set the standard for a great evening.  Founding member Alice Billen returned to give a wonderful performance of Walton's viola concerto, ably supported by a reduced-size orchestra.  The second half saw probably the orchestra's finest performance to date: the sumptuous melodies of Rachmaninov's Second Symphony echoed around Clifton Cathedral and brought a wonderful reception.

As ever, Roger Levett kindly hosted a wonderful after-party which was well-attended as usual.  A large number then made their way to Baroque on the triangle for further, well-deserved revelry.  Thank you to all involved for your help and assistance, especially those who hung around after the concert to lend a hand – it was hugely appreciated!

Welcome to the new website, this has been designed and built by Phil again (PKHT Web Design). All the normal pages still exist and you can access the forum as usual with the orchestra username and password.

New additions include the news page, which is more dynamic and easier to keep up to date. You may also comment on news items (no need to register, just follow the link to comment on a particular news item). Watch out for the picture gallery to come soon!

We would like to know what you think, so please comment and let us have your feedback. 

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!

The Brunel Sinfonia purchased its first "fixed asset" last week – a bass clarinet. With hire fees ever increasing, the trustees felt that it was time that the orchestra invested in its own instrument. The terms of the purchase are such that the bass clarinet will be on approval for the first six months, with the seller covering insurance and repair costs. We will be contacting various other orchestras in the area and looking to hire out our new pride and joy!

Channel E4's new season "Skins" started this evening, and many Brunel Sinfonia members were involved in its making. Orchestra manager Dave fixed the musicians for the series and many players will appear in some scenes. Catch it on Thursdays!

The first full rehearsal of the season took place tonight, and there were some shocked looks at the difficulty of the Rachmaninov! Its a very tricky piece, but the Brunel Sinfonia is looking forward the challenge of one of the great works. There will be another full rehearsal next week before sectionals under the principals.

Following an opening brass rehearsal held on Wednesday 17th January, the Brunel Sinfonia's Spring Season is off and running. Under the guidance of Mike Fletcher (horn) and conductor Tom Gauterin, the brass had a look at some of the more complicated passages in the scintillating spring programme. Read the rest of this entry »

An email went out today with all the new rehearsal dates for the new season. Please look under "Rehearsals" on the left.

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 first "all-day" rehearsal was held today and it was an enormous success. The morning was spent rehearsing in sections at the offices of Burges Salmon before the whole orchestra was treated to lunch at Racks. It was fantastic to see everyone there together, and a great opportunity for people to meet players from the "far side of the room". The afternoon was given over to a full rehearsal held at Bristol Grammar School, and the improvement over the day was dramatic. Another successful experiment to be repeated!