"OUTSTANDING MUSIC HALL CONCERT BY THE SINFONIETTA" - 25 MAY 2008

After the concert on Sunday 25 May, Roddy Phillips wrote in the "Press and Journal" that the Strauss oboe concerto "was beautifully played by Nicholas Daniel, who was once described by The Sunday Times as one of the greatest exponents of the oboe in the world - a title, judging by last night's faultless uplifting performance, that still remains unchallenged.

"Meanwhile the Sinfonietta, led by Bryan Dargie, continued to stage a consistently exciting, sculpted performance.  Clayton I think brings the best out of them, as he does with every orchestra that he conducts.  They seemed on particularly fine form last night, producing a professional sound that was nothing short of thrilling."

2008/09 THREE CONCERT SERIES

Aberdeen Sinfonietta is being given the splendid opportunity next season of putting on a three-concert series in the Music Hall, working with top conductors and soloists. As you will see from the "Events" page, the first of these concerts is on Sunday 2 November, when we welcome back both the conductor David Jones, and our very good friend the pianist Mikhail Kazakevich for a superb programme of Mozart and Tchaikovsky. On Sunday 22 February 2009 we are delighted to have another two distinguished musicians working with us - the conductor Garry Walker and the cellist Ralph Kirshbaum, and the programme will consist of Sibelius' Sixth Symphony, Haydn's D major cello concerto, and Beethoven's Symphony No 1. Finally, on 31 May 2009 the outstanding violinist Alexander Janiczek will be the soloist in Dvorak's violin concerto, and conductor Julian Clayton will make a welcome return to direct us in a performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which we are sure will provide a suitably triumphant conclusion to the series.

SKETCHES BY SUSIE HUNT

Aberdeen Sinfonietta is delighted to have formed an association with the artist Susie Hunt, who has made some sketches of members of the orchestra in rehearsal.  Susie has generously donated the originals of two of these sketches to help raise funds for the orchestra.  They are also being reproduced in postcard form and will shortly be available for sale.

ABERDEEN SINFONIETTA CD

With the aid of a grant from Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Sinfonietta produced its first CD in 2005. The works featured are Mozart's overture The Marriage of Figaro, Delius' On hearing the first cuckoo in spring and Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony, all recorded live at the Sinfonietta's concert in May 2005, as well as John McLeod's Machar - Portrait of a Saint, which was specially commissioned by the orchestra and given its premiere performance in September 2000. The CD (price£6) is available from members of the orchestra. For further details contact the Secretary, Mary Dargie, at absinf@btinternet.com