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!

The first Full Rehearsal of the season took place today, back at our spiritual home at Clifton College. With an orchestra which will number over 90 come concert-day, this promises to be a really special season.

After the success of the Brunel celebrations, it was time for the real work to begin, and Mike Fletcher (horn) and Tom Gauterin ran the first rehearsal of the new season, working hard on the Shostakvich which is a huge blow. Fletch's horn solos should be a real highlight.