We recently sat down with Alastair (Fifths) to talk about his experience of being a member of the KES/KEHS Symphony Orchestra.
What is your favourite thing about playing in the KES/KEHS Symphony Orchestra?
One of my favourite things about playing in the Symphony Orchestra is the level at which we are able to play. Year after year it keeps on getting better, and always sounds so good for the concerts. On top of that, the friendships made are long lasting and sincere.
What are some of your favourite memories of playing in the KES/KEHS Symphony Orchestra?
My favourite memory of Symphony Orchestra has to be the Christmas concerts. Each year, we perform a Christmassy piece to close out the concert. The whole orchestra puts on some sort of Christmas attire, and at the same time our conductor, Dr Leigh, dons on his best Christmas outfit, which is always a treat to see.
What is it like to be playing The Rite of Spring in the KES/KEHS Symphony Orchestra?
Playing The Rite of Spring is absolutely amazing. The orchestra is able to play it at such a high standard that the piece sounds brilliant and everything fits really well together.
What are some of the challenges of playing this piece?
One challenge for me in particular is the opening. The bassoon starts the piece with a melodic solo, and so there’s a lot of pressure to get it right. As an orchestra though, the main challenge has to be getting all the notes there. In such a demanding piece, there are so many places to go wrong, but at the same time for everything to go right and for it to sound so good.
