For the first time in the Department of Music’s history, the\u00a0University String Orchestra\u00a0takes the stage on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts\u00a0Centre.<\/p>\n
Under the direction of George Cleland,\u00a0the String Orchestra combines university students of the music program, along with Brock University community members and musicians from across Niagara.<\/p>\n
This first edition of the\u00a0University\u00a0String Orchestra\u00a0series revolves\u00a0around folk song and dance themes, which features\u00a0repertoire from English masters\u00a0such as Hubert Parry, Gustav Holst and\u00a0Henry Purcell, along with other seasonal favourites.<\/p>\n
Cleland said the orchestra \u201chelps develop fully rounded professional musicians by providing opportunities to develop their skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a place to learn the great string orchestra literature that exists from the beginnings of the violin family to the present day, a legacy of 300 years of music,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cleland has been a music instructor at Brock University since 2004 and a conductor of the Peninsula Orchestra in the Niagara region since 2007. He also assists in coaching and conducting\u00a0the Niagara Youth Orchestra in rehearsals.<\/p>\n
The University String Orchestra concert takes place Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cairns Recital Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts\u00a0Centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a joy to work in such an excellent venue such as Cairns Hall with its excellent acoustics and inviting environment,\u201d said Cleland. \u201cI enjoy the supportive environment that Brock and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre have created.\u201d<\/p>\n