The music scene in the UK is often quiet in January, but I think its
been much worse this year. Many musos have been talking of empty diaries, worse
than normal. A sign of the economic times I guess. I had only 2 paid calls in
Jan, and another two in March, so plenty of time to practice for auditions!
I have started a trial period with the Royal Liverpool Phil.
A pair of concerts with Carl Davis playing sporting themes in the Philharmonic
Hall and Blackburn's St Georges was my introduction to the band. And a jolly
friendly talented band they are too.
And then its back to to Liverpool to do two programs - a concert of
British film music with John Wilson then the orchestra accompanies films with
some great music, including Night on a Mare Mountain and Janacek's wonderful
Cunning Little Vixen.
In May I have a week in Edinburgh doing Beethoven's 9th with Scottish
Chamber Orchestra then a month of Walkure with Opera North.
So I hope the fuel tanker drivers to not go on strike as I will need plenty of
fuel between now and July.
Now what was the famous Woody Allen quote......
Websites are funny things. The creator posts stuff up and doesnt really know if
anyone is reading it, and if so who. I recently got some feedback that at least
one person has logged on and read some of my ramblings. But this means I might
need to be more careful what I write. The person will remain nameless, but I
would just like to say that Ashley Frampton is a great bloke and amazing bass
player!
Did you know? That in my time in the UK two orchestras has
asked for a deposit to be paid before being granted an audition, which would be
returned if the candidate showed up. I dont have a problem with this as I guess
there are quite a few people who fail to show up at little or no notice and this
must waste hours of time for the panel, and possibly deny others a chance to
play instead. But I just pulled out of one audition that was to be held over two
days, one of which I could not do, and I was asked for a cheque without a
guarantee of a slot on the only day I could do! So on top of all the preparation
work, travel, accomodation etc we put in free for auditions, it looks like we
might now be charged a fee for the process.
No comments:
Post a Comment