GATESHEAD YOUTH ORCHESTRA SEEK TO PLAY ENSEMBLE WITH NEW SPONSORS

Sponsorship opportunities are available in connection with Gateshead Youth Orchestra, a versatile orchestra which has already established a high profile both locally in the north east and nationally. Founded in 1953, the orchestra aims to give young musicians who attend school in Gateshead, or have a strong connection with the town, an opportunity to perform a wide range of music from a variety of periods and styles. Approximately fifty talented students from 11 to 19 years of age rehearse weekly under the direction of John Treherne, who has also composed original works especially for the orchestra. In addition to well known repertoire, eg this season, Mozart Piano Concerto K488, Vivaldi Guitar Concerto, Haydn Cello Concerto, Telemann Violin Concerto, the orchestra has performed lesser known works by composers such as Charles Avison. Also a performance of Rosina, an opera by local composer William Shield, last performed in the 18th century, was a memorable occasion. The overture to Rosina, which includes the melody Auld Lang Syne, caused a lively debate at the time about the origin of this celebrated tune. The orchestra was subsequently featured on BBC Television and in many major newspapers. Local venues have included Shipley Art Gallery, Council Chamber Gateshead, Northumbria Police HQ and Newcastle Civic Centre. Nationally, there was a performance at the Royal Society of Arts in February 2003, when the Gateshead Schools' Music Service was awarded the Major Award of the National Music Council of Great Britain. Dame Cleo Lane presented the award and again there was publicity in the national press. Each summer the orchestra embarks on an overseas educational visit and in recent years has toured Germany, France, Holland, the Czech Republic and Tuscany. In summer 2004 the base will be Lake Garda. There have been several CDs recorded both locally and on tour. These provide a valuable record of achievement for the orchestra's young musicians. As soon as the Gateshead Youth Orchestra returned from this summer's tour, it travelled to London for a performance in the Royal Festival Hall. Music included "Into The Unknown" and other pieces by John Treherne. This formed the highlight of a most challenging and exciting year. Future projects include travel to, and hire of, larger venues in the local community, as well as nationally. The orchestra plans to undertake further overseas tours, and Lake Garda, northern Italy, will be the centre for the summer 2004 visit. Support for this type of activity, the purchase of new music and commission of new works is essential to enable the orchestra to consolidate its success and to ensure that young north eastern musical talent is allowed to flourish. Contact: John Treherne. Tel.: 0191 433 8690. Other contact details in our Arts: Music section.   E&OE

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