The highlight of the BNSO’s 2010 season was
its Annual Gala Concert held on Saturday May 15 in the
College of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre. The fifty
piece orchestra performed a varied programme of classical
works in the first half followed by lighter contemporary
selections in the second half. Soloists included classical
vocalist Candace Bostwick and well known Bahamian
entertainer Ronnie Armbrister. The audience rose in a
standing ovation following the impressive finale of
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture complete with cannon effects and
spectacular on screen fireworks display. The concert was
followed by a catered reception at which concertgoers
enjoyed interacting with orchestra members.
BNSO members continued their tradition of participating in
several programmes within the community assisting other
musical groups whenever orchestral players were needed.
These included:
- The Ebenezer Methodist Church Lenten
Concert.
- The Ebenezer Methodist Church
Christmas Concert.
- The Christmas Concert of the Seventh
Day Adventist Church Men’s Choir.
- The Christmas Concert of the Bel
Canto Singers.
- String Trio performance during the
200th Anniversary service of St. Andrews Presbyterian
Church on November 28.
The orchestra is committed to the training
of young instrumentalists to the level of proficiency
required to play in the orchestra.
 String
players, especially violinists, are in greatest demand and
so to this end a very successful Suzuki programme has been
initiated. Mr. Martin Goldman, President of the Suzuki
Violin Association of South Florida, came in January for
discussions with members of the orchestra and has set up a
programme in which he comes twice a month to teach classes
on Saturdays and Sundays. In March, a group of young
apprentices from the BNSO traveled to Florida to participate
in a Suzuki workshop at the Broward Community College, in
Ft. Lauderdale. A very successful Summer String Camp took
place from June 21-July 2. This was organized by Mr. Goldman
who was assisted by members of the BNSO. Another expanded
camp is being planned for this coming summer.
In October, during a press conference at their head office,
the Cable Cares Foundation of The Bahamas very generously
presented a cheque to the BNSO for the purchase of a harp to
support the orchestra’s ongoing development. Members of the
Board stated that they recognized the contribution of The
Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra to the community and
were especially pleased to note the work it is doing in the
training of young musicians who will make sure that the BNSO
continues way into the future.
| 20 may 2011:
Update from Suzuki Programme: as of this morning,
Isabel Bravo and Oliver Zigel graduated from
Twinkle. They played with beautiful sound and a lot
of confidence. |
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