| The Orchestra of English National Ballet: more than just an accompaniment |
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Since Dame Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin founded what is now English National Ballet in 1950, the Company has always been committed to achieving the highest musical as well as dancing standards. From the very beginning, the orchestra of English National Ballet has played an important part in creating the magic which is a vital part of every live performance. The critically acclaimed Orchestra of English National Ballet is the largest of its kind in Europe and English National Ballet is one of the only ballet companies in Europe to tour with its own symphony orchestra. Recently, it was a particular thrill to have English National Ballet’s Orchestra play at Wembley Stadium both for the Company’s performance of Swan Lake and for the whole Concert For Diana. For these performances the full Orchestra of around 60 musicians will accompany the dancers led by newly appointed Music Director Gavin Sutherland. The dancers and the musicians do not usually see each other until the dress rehearsal, instead rehearsing separately. However, the conductor will attend as many of the dancers’ rehearsals as possible so they know the tempi at which the ballet should be played. This is not an easy task – each Principal dancer will want his or her solo at a specific speed whilst every other divertissement must be at a consistent tempo so the other dancers know what to expect. It is one thing to conduct a piece of music, it is quite another to conduct it as the accompaniment for ballet. Members of English National Ballet’s Orchestra Violin I Leader: Matthew Scrivener Rachel Allen (Co-Leader) Emil Chakalov Anne Martin Ruth Knell Linda McClaren Fiona Chesterman Rosalind McIntosh Violin II Alain Petitclerc* Susan Croot Charlotte Howes Caroline Barnes Catherine Smart Stephen Dinwoodie Viola Emma Sheppard David Danford Elizabeth Sharpe Vacancy Cello Gary Stevens* Naomi Elliott Rosemary Edwards Lars Payne Double Bass Jeremy Gordon* Dominic Black Catherine Ricketts Flute Christopher Green* Flute II/Piccolo Helen Keen Oboe Gareth Hulse* Nicky Holland Clarinet Derek Hannigan* Paul Allen Bassoon John McDougall Howard Legge French Horn Mark Johnson Alexandra Carr Richard Dilley Andrew Paterson Duncan Fuller Trumpet Andrew Mitchell Patricia Reid Trombone Michael Crowther Paul Barrett Bass Trombone Leslie Storey Tuba Martin Knowles Harp Isabel Frayling-Cork Tympani Kate Eyre Percussion Kevin Nutty Austin Beattie *Section Principal |
SpotlightKerry Birkett
Recently choreographed a piece inspired by The Secret Garden at the Wycombe Swan
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The Nutcracker is a huge financial and creative undertaking costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, so we are appealing to your generosity to help us bring this production to life.
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